Decline of the U.S. of America

All empires, sooner or later, outlive themselves, become shadows of what they formerly were, and fade into history, to be later read about and studied in an effort to determine what, why, and how?  The United States of America had a good run.  It cannot be called world domination, though it most certainly did seek to dominate the politics, the economies and the cultures of the world.

On the other hand, it also felt an obligation to come to the rescue of other countries of the world in distress.  At those times when it was not itself distressing some other countries of the world by attempted rescues they hadn't called for.  But then it must also be considered that there was and remains a prevalent morality built into the culture itself.

For the United States, the concept of democracy has been vital, impeded somewhat by its dedication to capitalism, to be sure.  But it has also been wedded to fairness, justice and the promotion of human rights as a core issue of human relations and the responsibility of any government to its population.  It has also had the responsibility, both self-imposed and outward-demanded, that it police the world.

It has had the advantage of a large population, an educated one, within a robust economy and an advanced production base.  It has been ventured that the United States is one of the most religious countries of the world.  It certainly has more than its share of various denominations of churches, and people who attend them.  Its traditional economic clout, balanced politics, and republican democracy has served as a model for the West.

Its popular culture is celebrated throughout the world.  Not particularly for good reason, but because of the power of its ability to record and entertain with the various ways in which it presents human frailties, from the schlock of tender love extended in often tragic circumstances, and the human spirit overcoming all obstacles, to its glorification of human violence in all its gory, miserable details.

And then there is its immense military, which more than anything else, enhances the country's aura of power and might.  Its defence budget of $698-billion in 2011 represents 43% of total military spending in the world.  China spent $119-billion, representing 7.3% of the world total.  In contrast, Britain, France and Russia together spent about $59-billion each, collectively representing 11% of the world's total.

That immense sum represents 4.8% of the country's gross domestic product, spent on defence.  Which represents a far lower figure than what was spent during the Vietnam War, far less even than during the Korean War.  Even under the Reagan administration in the 1980s, the U.S. spent more than what it now spends proportional to its GDP.

The country operates 700 military, naval and air bases in over 100 countries from Western and Eastern Europe to the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and the Far East.  Over a dozen intelligence agencies monitor world events for the American government.  China has recently acquired its first aircraft carrier, although more are in the planning stages.  The U.S. navy has a dozen aircraft carriers, along with cruisers, destroyers, submarines and marines in patrol of the world's oceans.

There are hints and whispers, both regretful and gloating, that the United States' power is on the wane.  But is it?  We should actually hope not.  Because when the sheriff is in town the riff-raff tend to behave themselves.  Trading nations worldwide benefit from the U.S. navy patrolling the sea lanes of the world; in doing so free trade is protected from pirates and other unwholesome predators.

What other nation on this planet goes out of its way to manage and protect international protocols and approaches?  Most other countries are completely self-interested; they proffer assistance to other countries in return for allegiance and both that way benefit.  The greater number of allied friendships any strong country can manipulate, the better off it, and they are until a falling-out occurs.

Some countries are held to very high standards of national behaviour on the international scene.  Certainly the United States qualifies as the leitmotif of stern and unbending morality, as a yardstick that other countries of the world can aspire to - or not.  We should understand that, despite many instances where the United States may have failed in its self-imposed role as arbiter of justice, it has also triumphed in many more.


As the fortunes of America go, so do international fortunes.  We should hope that there is no true waning of the strength and power of the United States.  Because, like it or not, much depends on it.