[The Times, U.K.]

NRC Handelsblad, The Netherlands

The End of the American Century

"Across the globe, America has lost its popularity and authority. … The new president will have to take into account the declining international influence of the nation."

EDITORIAL

Translated By Jan de Nijs

December 27, 2007

The Netherlands - NRC Handlesblad - Original Article (Dutch)

The United States has hit a rough patch. Economically, the party is over. It confronts a crisis in the mortgage markets. The federal deficit continues to grow. The dollar has lost its leading position. London has overtaken New York as the world’s leading financial center. And European anti-trust laws are rapidly becoming the global standard, replacing American rules and regulations. In the meantime, the Iraq War is costing $275 million a day. The total estimated cost for the Iraq War at the end of 2008: $611 billion. And at the same time, the war in Afghanistan continues to grind on.

These are a few examples of “imperial overstretch”: America’s military might is being stretched beyond the limit.

As a result, George W. Bush’s last year in office has been one of a “shrinking presidency.” In his home country, he has lost his authority. Officials from his government are being prosecuted and punished for abuses of power. On top of that, a judicial inquiry into the destruction of evidence of illegal interrogation procedures by the CIA has been launched.

Across the globe, America has lost its popularity and authority. In both India and Pakistan there is growing opposition to the United States. While Bush has increased the pressure on Iran and was even planning attacks on their nuclear facilities, sixteen American intelligence agencies revealed that Iran probably quit its nuclear weapons program in 2003.

During the climate talks in Bali, the American delegation's resistance to specific targets for CO2 emissions resulted in such isolation and pressure that it eventually capitulated and joined with the rest. Even South America has escaped America’s grip. Due to Bush's thoughtless unilateralism during his first term, he created enemies needlessly. But when this latest term ends, those problems will remain. The new president will have to take into account the declining international influence of the nation.

And yet America hasn't lost its status as the world’s sole remaining superpower. For the moment there is no other country that can lead. Militarily, politically, economically and culturally, America stands at the top alone. America still accounts for over half of all military spending in the world, even though such spending isn't the only measure of military potential. Even in economic terms, America still has unrivalled potential, and it remains a powerful magnet for global talent.

U.S. expenditures on education and scientific research are significantly higher that Europe. America is still responsible for the most inventions and innovation. And with English as its native language, the mass production of internationally esteemed music, movies, television, literature and corporate culture, one can expect American cultural hegemony to continue well into the 21st century. The American business community is very resilient. And because the birth rate is holding steady, the country is aging more slowly than Europe.

But the American century is coming to an end. Aspiring superpowers are hot on America’s heels. As time goes by, it will be ever-more difficult for the U.S. to hold the line on those competitors.

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