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Is America Really On the Decline?

Financial crisis. Two wars. Rising rivals. And talk about whether the American era is coming to an end

Posted October 29, 2008

In Australia, protests against American military power.

The anti-declinists, meanwhile, also count America's demographics as a key source of vigor. Through its acceptance of immigration and its higher birthrates, America's population is projected not only to grow but to avoid taking on the aging profiles of China, Russia, and Western Europe. Russia's population is shrinking by 720,000 people per year—hardly the way to great-power status. China is also graying quickly, in part because of its one-child policy. They both face underdevelopment in their vast countrysides, ethnic tensions, environmental constraints, and the perhaps inevitable return of political pressures for democratic change. Neither country will find that its path to restored greatness is clear and smooth.

Nor, in the end, is America without geopolitical options. It has forged a strategic tie to the South Asian giant of India that reflects democratic and multicultural affinities. But it is also a de facto hedge against the strengthening of still-authoritarian China. U.S. strategists welcome a closer relationship with moderate Brazil, in part as more hedging, this time against anti-U.S. leaders in Latin America. Bush and a new set of more pro-American European leaders have been setting aside scraps over Iraq and other issues, and East European countries are looking to Washington for reassurance against a more assertive Russia. In East Asia, the United States remains the ultimate balancer to China. "We are still the glue that holds things together, despite the opinion polls," reckons Kagan.

Few doubt that America's global position will experience "relative shifts," to use the diplomatic language of State's Cohen. But, he insists, "there is no other country's hand I'd rather play." Says a senior U.N. diplomat, "Bet against America at your peril." Even so, in the 21st century, it might be prudent to spread a few wagers on others as well.

Click here to read more about U.S. foreign policy
Click here to read more by Thomas Omestad

Reader Comments

Neighbor and state police harassment

I have noticed neighbors using police to do their dirty work.We have neighbors from hell,they sneak around and call the police tell lies on other neighbors.The police come out and never tell you the neighbor accused you of something,treat you like a criminal.You call a lawyer they tell the neighbor has the right of free speach and you have no recourse but to take it.They get a flat tire 200 miles from their home, they call the police and the police come and question you and treat you like a criminal.Their 38 year old son(Kevin) run you off the road,police says nothing they can do about it.The same 38 year old man told my sick wife(60) he was going to kill us,the police said he has the right to state his opinion.

I feel like there is no justice for some in this country and no protection from bullies that pick on their neighbors.They tell lies and the police should ask for evidence,but they come out harassing people for no reason,I have had open heart surgery,cancer surgery,police said they could and would come out anytime of the day or night to harass us and there is nothing we could do about it.

NO LAWYER WILL HELP BECAUSE THEY DON"T WANT TO MAKE THE POLICE ANGRY AT THEM. If you should defend yourself they lock you up and you end up losing your home and your life is over. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU CAN"T GET POLICE PROTECTION.

Chad of MD
Dec 23, 2008 19:57:45 PM [permalink] [report comment]

Neighbor and state police harassment

Chad of MD
Dec 23, 2008 19:57:44 PM [permalink] [report comment]

American Decline: Inevitable

I am an investment banker for a bulge bracket working in Asia for now 10 years (started at the onset of the Financial crisis that forced many of the economies and companies in Asia to restructure). I AM American and grew up near Washington D.C, with all the benefits of American education when America was the world envy.

America IS on the decline and have to become prudent, frugal and truly multi-cultural to be able to compete, stay competitive. Yes, the US is VERY comfortable and safe for now. But for those of you with children, take a very hard, objective look at your world and realize your children may not enjoy the financial prosperity in their adult lives as you have now.

US is just NOW coming to grips with its multi cultural population which has been a doubled edged sword - a source of its strength and ability to adapt and attract- resources, talent, financial strenth and size. But also a source of angst with (lets be very honest) discrimination, hate crimes, and bigotry and bias. Other emerging market nations and economies have the demographic problem of shrinking populations but have will quickly develop b/c of a homogenous society that is also very socially stable except in a dozen or so cases - So YES, america does have to compete and is STILL holds many advantages.

Autos, technology, manufacturing, service companies all are waning. How will the US companies, consumers continue to fuel their consumption - US companies manufacturing base has almost all uprooted to developing nations.

It is not time for big, flag waving pep rallies, its time to restructure, re-figure and change mindset. American Pride should continue to make American corporate and policy to work hard. American arrogance will be its downfall

Peter of MD
Nov 10, 2008 02:12:12 AM [permalink] [report comment]

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