Raymond, nope, I don't see it that way. Only two belligerents are mentioned. I go for the United States and allies (unipolar) vs. Sino-Russia and followers (multipolar), giving rise to a bipolar world (Dan. 2:41; 11:40).
BoogerMan, I agree. Seems like most if not all will receive an identifying mark. IMO the “mark” of Rev. 13:16-18 would point to totalitarian control. In order for the masses to be subjugated, the following aspects of civilized life need to be controlled: 1) Food production. 2) Water supplies. 3) Medical system. 4) Energy production and distribution. 5) Monetary system.
The choice in the end is worship, i.e., to whom will you be loyal. Each time Revelation refers to those receiving the mark, it is qualified by an additional action, i.e., worship. Worship belongs to God. Satan and his beasts are interested in usurping God’s authority and worship (cf. Matt. 4:9, 10; Rev. 13:2). The mark as well as beast worship will be disqualifying one from having one’s name written in the book (cf. Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:15).
What does worship here mean? To give one’s honour and allegiance to a higher power. To “express by attitude and possibly by position one’s allegiance to and regard for a higher authority.” See Louw-Nida. To “express in attitude or gesture one’s complete dependence on or submission” to a high authority figure or organization, in this case the beast, its image as well as the dragon.
