Dr Skulachev's research is based entirely on an unproven theory; namely that superoxides cause aging. While its suspected that they do cause various problems in the human body, they're also employed by our own immune system, and our bodies do have their own agents which deal with superoxides quite efficiently. As for the US vs debate in terms of science, it must be pointed out that the US enters the highest number of patents of any country in the world.
While its not a perfect measure of scientific advancement, it is a fair one. Another measure of scientific advancement would be in the field of Nobel Prizes, which again, the US holds the highest number in. As for your conspiracy theory; while there is a fair amount of infighting among scientists, it is rare that scientific advancements are actively impeded by other scientists.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.