In 1997, Zbigniew Brzezinski published his book, "The Grand Chessboard." In it, he argued that, in order for America to control the world, it must control Eurasia, specifically China & Russia. But, in order to control China & Russia, it must first control Central Asia, with its vast oil reserves. Brzezinski pointed out that Americans have no stomach for Empire, and are not naturally willing to make the financial & other sacrifices necessary for an imperial project. What might tip the scales, however, he suggested, would be an event along the magnitude of Pearl Harbor, to galvanize American citizens into action. Brzezinski was no Neo-Con. He previously worked for Carter, and has been Obama's closest advisor.