>One would think that in this age of knowledge we would have the smartest people running things.
Just the opposite. America is a kakistocracy. A government by the least suitable or competent citizens of a state.
Russia is getting ahead because they produce enough stuff for themselves and export the rest. The opposite of America.
Russia
The total value of exports (FoB) was 426,720 million. The total value of imports (CIF) was 247,161 million.
America
The total value of exports (FOB) is US$ 1,644,276 million. The total value of imports (CIF) is US$ 2,567,492 million.