I have to pop in and comment that that has got to be possibly the least plausible scenario I've ever seen. How on earth would the United States be destroyed and factionalized, while the rest of the world seems to be doing pretty good?
Oh wait, I forgot, America is the great satan. Whenever God makes a disease, he genetically fashions it so that it will only kill Americans, and in the survivors minds' destroy all sense of nationalism and loyalty.
I can't wait to read your thesis. Make sure to forward it to a couple of Imam's, they'll probably have some positive criticism. I'm sure with your million dollar salary, and genius intellect, you can find a way to send each of us a copy.