> We need to be in an international military crisis in order that basic values of privacy prevail at home?
Pretty much, yes. The US benefitted hugely from defining itself in opposition to the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. It's a major countervailing force to growing to resemble your opponent.
Arguably, the US hasn't really figured out how to effectively define itself in opposition to China, given how liberally China has been copying parts of the US economic playbook (ie. "Capitalism with Chinese characteristics"), which itself is a trick the Soviets never managed.
Pretty much, yes. The US benefitted hugely from defining itself in opposition to the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. It's a major countervailing force to growing to resemble your opponent.
Arguably, the US hasn't really figured out how to effectively define itself in opposition to China, given how liberally China has been copying parts of the US economic playbook (ie. "Capitalism with Chinese characteristics"), which itself is a trick the Soviets never managed.