This week’s
debate on the greatest threat to American power sparked a lot of differing
views, but there was a fairly universal belief that America’s greatest threat
comes from within. The country’s own politics and internal dysfunction could
ultimately be what causes it to slip. But would a few simple policy changes
here and there really prevent the US from losing its grasp on much of the world’s
power? Is a better functioning government really the only thing necessary to
prevent a decline in US clout? I believe it is. The US has so many traits which
will allow it to succeed in the future if internal dysfunction doesn’t get in
the way.
The US
economy, despite being hit hard by the global recession, is still one of the
most powerful and vibrant in the world. While concerns about mounting US debt
and a growing percentage of the budget allocated to entitlements must be
addressed, the US economy overall is still poised for success. The US is still
at the forefront of most technological and scientific developments. For
instance, the US dominates the field of nanotechnology, which many say will
lead fundamental scientific breakthroughs for the next few decades. The US has
issued more nanotech patents than the rest of the world combined. Additionally,
biotechnology continues to grow in the US and represents 76% of the global
market. Many politicians cite the loss of manufacturing jobs to countries like
China as a threat to the US economy. But most products manufactured overseas
are still designed and engineered in the US. The engineering behind the
electronics assembled in China represents the true value of the product, and
that value often lies in Silicon Valley. The US economy does have issues which
need to be tackled by policy makers, but the overall economic landscape is
still vibrant and shows potential to succeed well into the future.
Education is
one area often cited as a great example of how the US is falling behind
compared to the rest of the world. It is hard to argue that fundamental change
isn’t needed to improve the nation’s primary and secondary schools. However,
the US university system is still the best in the world and attracts top talent
from around the globe. The US receives about 30% of the world’s international
students and has most of the universities ranked in the top 10 globally. Other
countries are improving their university systems but none will rival the US for
decades. Creating a top notch educational institution doesn’t happen overnight.
By being able to attract top minds throughout the world, the US holds a
strategic advantage which will allow the country to thrive.
There are
many who fear the rise of China’s military will put them on the same military
footing as the US within a few years. While Chinese defense spending is rising,
it’s unlikely they will be able to match US capabilities. The US is
technologically superior to any military on the face of the planet because of
its robust and sophisticated defense contractor contingent. Various US defense
companies will continue to develop new technologies which give the US the edge
on the battlefield. However, massive cuts in defense spending threaten to slow
new technological developments. This highlights the importance for policy
makers to come to agreements on sound economic policies which don’t paralyze
the DoD.
There are
numerous other characteristics of the US which speak to its ability to remain
one of the world’s dominate powers. However, the world is changing and America
must learn to adapt with it. Economies and militaries around the world are
growing at a rapid rate which doesn’t seem likely to slow down anytime soon. This
shouldn’t be seen as a threat to the US, but the country cannot stay stagnant
while the rest of the world moves forward. Internal gridlock poses the greatest
threat to America’s ability to adapt to a changing world and remain at the top
of the world’s food chain.
References:
Fareed
Zakaria, "The Future of American Power: How America Can Survive the Rise
of the Rest," Foreign Affairs 87
(2008): 18.
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