Not a USA-bashing exercise, more an attempt to view the current situation in an historical context:
http://www.globalcomplexity.org/USA%20in%20Decline.htm
Quote:
Wallerstein suggests there had been three hegemonic powers in modern history: the United Provinces in the Netherlands (mid-17th century), the United Kingdom (mid-19th century) and the USA (mid-20th century). Other scholars (e.g. Paul Kennedy) include Imperial Spain (1580 to 1630) in the list. Clearly, the dates are approximate but they are significant in one key sense: hegemonic powers come and then eventually go.
...........
Several authors have described the process that hegemonies traverse in the lead up to the acquisition of the status of undisputed power and then the inevitable downward slide when that power ebbs away. Paul Kennedy, in The Rise and Fall of Great Powers published in 1987, detailed the pattern of change and the factors that drive it forward. More recently, in 2002, several contributors considered the same topic in Two Hegemonies, edited by O'Brien and Clesse. Almost all scholars agree on one point at least: these are very lengthy transformations. By the end of the 19th century British hegemony was over, but it is still a military and economic power to be reckoned with. It is equally important to stress that the analysis focuses on relative changes in power distribution. America might have been in decline since the late-1960s, but it is only because it lost some power in relation to others who have gained some influence, especially in the economic arena. The fact remains that the USA is by far the most powerful country on most fronts and will continue to be so for some years yet.
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Fairly long article but an interesting read.
http://www.globalcomplexity.org/USA%20in%20Decline.htm
Quote:
Wallerstein suggests there had been three hegemonic powers in modern history: the United Provinces in the Netherlands (mid-17th century), the United Kingdom (mid-19th century) and the USA (mid-20th century). Other scholars (e.g. Paul Kennedy) include Imperial Spain (1580 to 1630) in the list. Clearly, the dates are approximate but they are significant in one key sense: hegemonic powers come and then eventually go.
...........
Several authors have described the process that hegemonies traverse in the lead up to the acquisition of the status of undisputed power and then the inevitable downward slide when that power ebbs away. Paul Kennedy, in The Rise and Fall of Great Powers published in 1987, detailed the pattern of change and the factors that drive it forward. More recently, in 2002, several contributors considered the same topic in Two Hegemonies, edited by O'Brien and Clesse. Almost all scholars agree on one point at least: these are very lengthy transformations. By the end of the 19th century British hegemony was over, but it is still a military and economic power to be reckoned with. It is equally important to stress that the analysis focuses on relative changes in power distribution. America might have been in decline since the late-1960s, but it is only because it lost some power in relation to others who have gained some influence, especially in the economic arena. The fact remains that the USA is by far the most powerful country on most fronts and will continue to be so for some years yet.
______________________________________
Fairly long article but an interesting read.
