Introduction
For some time, scholarship has predicted downfall of the United States of America. Through calculated projections and paralleled comparisons, many scholars have prophesized that the position of United States at the helm of international power would last for a few more decades and fade. Although history shows that empires come and go, it is also true that certain economic, social and political characteristics have also been identified to be the foundations upon which the strength of a nation lies. In that line, Joffe Josef analyzes the strength of the United States of America and the prospects of emergence of another power house on the international scene. This paper points out what Joffe means by purporting that the US is still the world’s powerhouse and offers personal opinion on these assertions.
By saying, “… the US is the default power, the country that occupies center stage because there is nobody else with requisite power and purpose” (Joffe 122), Joffe is simply trying to point out that the United States remains the only country that has power over any other state currently. On the other hand, he uses the word purpose to point out that while some countries like Japan and the European Union have adequate resources and riches to form some form of power, they lack the purpose to pursue this venture.
Projections in the recent past have indicated that the power role of the United States of America was approaching its final stages. Other scholars of whom Joffe refers to as false prophets predicted that China, The European Union, India, Japan or Russia were among the economies that were headed towards the helm of economic and political strength in the near future. For instance, Paul Kennedy argues that the global power was rapidly and uncontrollably headed towards the East and that the force was irreversible. On his part, Peer Steinbruck argues that the power of the United States of America to cling on the helm of global finance system was headed towards decline. Parag Khanna also argues that the status of America as global super power was experiencing a steady decline.
While most of these scholars predict a decline to the status of America as a super power, Joffe finds the assertions as false prophesies posed as make believe facts. He feels that none of the allegations are founded on a well researched ground. Most of them are assertions made by wishful thinkers who would love to see the downfall of the United States of America.
Personally, I agree with Joffe’s stand that the United States of America is and will remain the world’s center of power for several years to come. With the US economy standing at a total of $14.3 trillion, a size worth three times more than Japan who is considered the second largest economy. Economic prowess marks the foundation of power. Failure in the economy means failure in all other sections. With America leading the pack and by far, it means that it might take long for any other power to overtake it. Similarly, the superiority of the US in terms of military strength, GDP, per capita income, naval strength et cetera places the United States at a great distance beyond the closest rivals.
I particularly agree with Joffe’s position because of the fact that China has been identified as the most potential substitute for the United States of America in the position. However, the comparative analysis shows that China is not in position in that it does not have the capacity to overtake the US economy. On the other hand, the closest economy, but which is still far away from the US, the European Union has the capacity to take the position but does not have the means and the way up the ladder. The fact that there are almost 27 countries in the Union makes it difficult for it take up this role. Therefore, “…the US is still the default power, the country that occupies center stage because there is nobody else with requisite power and purpose” (Joffe 122).
Works Cited
Joffe, Josef. “The Default Power.” Foreign Affairs 88.5 (2009): 120 -153.