US still world power?
As my interests fall more towards the sphere of international politics I found this article from the latest addition of the Economist rather interesting. It raises some interesting points about the wanning, or not, of US hard and soft power in the world. In terms of hard power, while our military may be overstretched, it is my view that the United States is still the lone super power in the world. In terms of soft power, the area gets more sticky. I truly believe we are living in a multipolar world when it comes to economics and the world economy. While the dollar may be falling, the Euro rising, and the Chinese and Indians driving, the US is still the World’s largest economy and will be for awhile at least. Just some real basic thoughts to maybe get the discussion going.
http://economist.com/opinion/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=9407806
on July 3rd, 2007 at 1:52 am
I don’t think it would be fair to talk about the waning of U.S. power, but it is folly to not admit the waning of U.S. dominance in global affairs. While the U.S. continues to grow steadily, we are being outpaced by China, India, and a more integrated Europe.
Our interventionist foreign policy has overextended the military, and these entanglements have allowed nations like Russia and China to act with impunity in dealing in international matters. We got to act as the lone superpower for about 10 years, but that’s all (you could argue we were the lone superpower for longer but the Cold War mentality prevailed.)
As for the US stock metaphor, I have a better, less British example: The U.S. is Greg Oden, only 19 but he looks like he’s 50; he’s a legitimate back to the basket 7′ center who has won before and is destined to win a few more championships given the right surrounding players. But China is Yi Jiangliang, reportedly 19, but probably closer to 23, mysterious seven-footer who could become an international media superstar, or he could become the next Wang Zhi Zhi and find a cozy spot on the end of the bench in the NBA but make a regional splash back in Asia.
on July 10th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
What does it mean to be a superpower right now?
I’ve always thought of the US as the world’s “lone superpower,” but, I think I considered that term to mean something like, “not only is 99% of the population literate and has access to indoor plumbing, but our economy is very strong (possibly the strongest), and furthermore, we can beat up any other country.”
I’m not quite sure how to define superpower now though, given the meager knowledge that I have about current events and world politics.
The Iraq war is a perfect example which shows how military power is not a simple equation where superior numbers and superior weapons mean you can beat up any other country, and trying to pummel an insurgency into non-existence is sort of like trying to nail jello to a tree.
Furthermore, I’ve heard reports that India’s economy is hotter than the US’ right now (which given our war-time slump is not overly shocking, and that’s not saying that it’s all and all stronger–but just that it’s growing at a faster pace currently.)
And finally, our cultural and academic dominence isn’t even assured. Our students at all grade levels are no where near the top (being outperformed by Asian and European students alike.) Last time I checked, Aulstralia had the highest literacy rate, and the longest average time spent in school.
[For a good laugh, check out this BBC article that pits an English mathematics entrance question against a Chinese one. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6589301.stm?lsf]
So, are we the world’s lone superpower? I doubt it.
What does it currently mean to be a superpower? I have no friggin clue.
Can there even be “super powers” anymore? Maybe not.