"The problem is, no-one in the US government, media or industrial fields seems to have any regard for (or even knowledge of) anything much beyond the Revolution and the borders of the USA. "

I'm not sure if that generalization is true, or if it is different from what you would experience in any other country. I certainly agree that those in charge of all three areas look at their own self-interests first, but that is not to say that everyone agrees.   

I believe that you can never underestimate the power of of those that think differently, and never lump everyone together.