Week 8 - Another Revolt Against the West?

2/19/2016

This is an excerpt from System, Society and the World: Exploring the English School of International Relations. The Second Edition is available now on Amazon (UK, USA), in all good book stores, and via a free PDF download.

In his contribution to Part III of the English School 1985 classic The Expansion of International Society, Hedley Bull describes what he called ‘the revolt against the West’.[i] At the turn of the twentieth century, Bull argued, European and Western powers ‘expressed a sense of self-assurance, both about the durability of their position in international society and its moral purpose.’[ii] That, however, did not survive the First World War. From that point on a revolt against western dominance unfolded in ‘five phases or themes’, which Bull identified as an anti-colonial revolution and the struggle for equal sovereignty, racial equality, economic justice and cultural liberation. This was brought about by five factors. There was, Bull argued, a ‘psychological awakening’ in the non-Western world, ‘a weakening of the will on the part of the Western powers to maintain their position of dominance, or to at least accept the costs necessary to do so’, the rise of new powers such as the Soviet Union, ‘a more general equilibrium of power’ and ‘a transformation of the legal and moral climate of international relations’ which was influenced by the majorities of votes held by Third World states.
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Read the entire article and read as much of the free book hyperlinked above. Answer the following prompts.

What is the current geo-political position of the United States? What strengthens the scope of the global power of the U.S.?
What are 3 potential threats to U.S. power?
What nations should we build partnerships with and why?

Original Posts 250 words (minimum). Respond to three other students 50 words (minimum). Original post due Thursday @ midnight. Responses (3) due Sunday @ midnight.

33 Comments

Mark De Martini

2/24/2016 09:07:54 pm

The global position of the U.S. is significant. The U.S. is thought of as the last remaining military and economic superpower. The assent of China is changing the status quo, however for all the power China has acquired, it does not step in as the world's "policeman" as does the U.S. in protecting vital lines of communication and trade open. The U.S. sends the Navy into the Persian Gulf to protect oil shipping, has the Army on the 38th Parallel in Korea and takes point on the war against international Islamic terrorism. These are just a few examples of how the U.S. is positioned as a world power. The end of WWII left the United States as the leader of the free world against a communist Soviet Union and China. This was a struggle of hegemony between a capitalistic free market and centralized control of the means of production and distribution. The U.S. assisted the end of European colonialism, but was ensnarled in several proxy wars, and meddled in the national affairs of many third world countries in the name of U.S. interest. The United States is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and a leading member of NATO. The U.S. dollar is the international currency. Because of the U.S.'s wealth, military power and foreign relations, the world expects the U.S. to take the lead on international issues such as climate change, regional trade agreements and monetary policy. The U.S. is a "soft" Roman Empire. The U.S. should build strong relations with China, Russia and India. These three countries are power brokers in their perspective regions. Russia and China are "competitors" so reducing friction is vitally important to avoid war. These three countries are in need of technology to save their environments from devastation. China is aggressively purchasing farmland around the world to feed their population. This has to be seen as an indicator of future friction as is over population in India and imperial aspirations by Russia. To the U.S., Russia is the most misunderstood and difficult nation to court. India is the world's most populated democracy. I think world success relies on these three nations more than it does with Europe fading into irrelevance. Three threats to U.S. power are: 1. protracted wars at a loss of blood and national treasure without positive strategic outcomes. 2. illegal immigration, not for the degradation of public services, or any other common argument, but for the overall erosion of the rule of law that is ultimately corrosive to the body politic. As an excepted national imperative, no nation unable to secure its borders has a right (or means) of survival. 3. The debt. No nation that incurs debt at a level it cannot payoff can remain solvent. At a certain point what the U.S. takes in taxes can only be used to service the interest on its debt. The U.S. government will have to declare bankruptcy the way of Greece. In short, the U.S. is it's own worst enemy and greatest threat. It sort of looks like Rome before the fall.

Thu-Thao Ho

2/27/2016 02:02:58 am

I cannot deny the fact that the US is still in massive debt...
Borrowing so much money does not increase global power but more rather weakens it. That is mainly due to the fact that the world views the US as not actually being as economically powerful as it claims it really is... This places the US in a very negative position to not only the states, but also to its own civilians.

Megan Fernandez

2/28/2016 02:09:29 pm

Mark: That is true, investing in foreign relations with China and Russia would be wise in balancing the power dynamic between the two rising powers, and foreign assistance and aid to India (the world’s largest democracy) acts as a bloc against communist China and Russia. It is an interesting point you make in the role that came with the United States’ economic dominance, as the “world’s policeman.” The pervasive effect of the United States is continuing to outlast its dominance as the world’s largest economy with English and the USD still be taught and used in trade. It is as if English has become the “international language” and the USD the “international currency.” However, one wonders whether the effect of China’s economy will have such a drastic or similar effect on the globe. Chinese is the most spoken language in the world due to China’s extremely high population of people, yet English prevails as the most commonly taught primary or second language in many places. I wonder whether the “American standard” will continue to last…

Anteo Swenson

3/3/2016 07:57:25 pm

Mark: The United States is the only current economic and military giant. You compared it to China, which are also powerful, but not as much as the US. However I also think that there's another important factor that has maintained the American empire. The US is very culturally influential around the globe, it also has reputation, one that has prevailed for a long time now. Such small characteristics may play an important role in this. Also, I do agree with you that the US is starting to look like Rome a long time ago, it seems like its own ambition will be its own doom. Improving relations with the BRIC nations is imperative for the United States, a fact that has not been taking seriously in the American foreign affairs.

2/25/2016 06:19:38 pm

Though still considered the world’s most dominant and influential political power as well as country with the largest economy, the United States’ influence as a geopolitical power is on the decline. One of its main influences in geopolitics lies in its role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Its global scope is enhanced by the fact that the United States has more allies, ships, fighters, missiles, patents, and the success of marketing its many consumer products and Hollywood film industry. Three potential threats to the US power include China’s increasing economic power (and other members of BRIC- Brazil, Russia, India), the increased belief that equal rights pertain to non-Western states to sovereignty, self-determination, equal treatment, economic justice, and human rights; and the United States losing influence in the United Nations. The United States’ geopolitical dominance is largely attributed to its well-developed and vastly successful and pervasive consumer industry. As China gains footing as a major economic power, it puts the United States in jeopardy of losing its spot as the world’s largest economy. International efforts to bring up human development levels in developing countries also weakens the United States. Much of the goods and products produced by the United States are outsourced to countries, where labor is cheaper and labor laws fall short in providing workers with their alignment with workers’ rights. Lastly, as developing countries continue to move toward becoming more developed countries, many seek more influence in international organizations like the the UN and for their countries to be represented and have their voices heard i.e. India in seeking a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. The United States supports India’s bid for a permanent seat. However, in line with that belief of greater representation of developing countries in the UN, the article brings up the question of increasing expansion of permanent members of the UN Security Council, granting more influence to other countries in affecting geopolitics. The United States should build partnerships with China and India. With China as the world’s rising economy, the United States should continue to work on lowering its trade deficit and perhaps call into question some of the labor laws that have allowed China to over take the global economy in the international community. The United States has a historic relationship with India as the two represent the oldest and largest democracies in the world. Its partnership and assistance in improving India’s human development could boost India’s legitimacy and efficacy as a democracy in addition to adding to its strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific and collaboration in climate change, trade, and counterterrorism.

Christian Trinidad

3/6/2016 08:37:15 pm

Hi Megan
I agree with you that china’s growing economy is a big threat to the United States. Also you bring up a great point about work being outsourced because it is cheaper and the little safety guidelines that there are, are easy to work around. As far as India joining the UN security council I think that the US being the superpower it is will help but i think other less developed nations should also be included.

Michael Stevens

3/8/2016 02:56:07 pm

Hello Megan,
You're right; American power and influence is on the decline. The rise of China has become a legitimate challenge to American superiority. This phenomenon is made even more apparent by the buying of American debt by the Chinese. Now, we are paying them interest on trillions of dollars.

2/25/2016 09:08:21 pm

Megan,
I think your entry is a well thought out response. Like you, I am concerned about America's economic standing. I see it from a point of sustainability. As the U.S. transitions from a post industrial economy, to that of a service and management economy, what will follow? As countries develop technology, they will become less dependent on U.S. intellectual property, the management of production and the U.S. as a market, when their own citizens are wealthy enough to purchase the goods they currently export. There is no answer for what comes after the management and service economy. I fear the U.S. will be in for a rude awaking when countries who benefit from our "off shoring" of business, no longer needs the U.S. as a customer, or as a mentor in business development. Japan is a good example of a country that was at first totally dependent on the U.S. as a trade partner and investor, but later become independent when Japan developed their industrial base and expanded their markets. Ironically, Japan still trades and invests in the U.S. in an inverse relationship. Maybe this is a good thing and gives hope,since a fair balance of sorts was struck over time.

2/28/2016 11:42:45 am

Mark: That is an interesting point you have and good reason for concern. The case you brought up with Japan is interesting as well. Japan, formerly completely dependent on the United States for post war economy build up after World War II, is now one of the most developed countries in the world and one of the world's top exporters. Japan ships 58% of its exports to other Asian countries, while 23.1% are sold to North American importers, and ships another 12% to Europe. Similarly, Germany is another one of the world’s top exporters and developed countries. I wonder what it will take for China to counterbalance its high amount of exports and high level of GDP with human rights issues. When will wealth be more evenly distributed in China such that wealth inequality does not exist such that it prevents its own citizens from purchasing the goods that their country produces. However, it is so very notable that this problem exists in our country as well. Perhaps, the growth and prosperity (sustainability) amongst the middle class is what will be needed to sustain such an economy that benefits more of its citizens.

2/27/2016 01:57:38 am

The United States of America has retained a secure seat in the Security Council and has much influence with regards to political affairs. One of the main factors that give America global power is the strength of its economy. America plays a key role in industrialization which not only benefits its own economy, but also allows the country to do international business with other nations thus encouraging cooperation.
The main potential threat to American power would have to be the reliance upon China. Although America has the capabilities to manufacture goods to export, America continues to import goods from China. The United States also relies to heavily upon China as the nation to be used as a bank. The national debt has not come slightest to decreasing and that is due to the fact that the national debt ceiling is continuing to be raised from all the money America has owed. This reliance serves to weaken the United States because it will give China a huge advantage in taking global economic power. Another potential threat would be arms and weaponry production. If such weapons are to be in the wrong hands it could mean a huge increase in crime rate which is detrimental to national security. Climate change impacts America's global power because it directly impacts natural resources. The massive drought is still occurring and is a ongoing crisis, and if we are not preserving water agriculture will become more and more difficult to thrive. Our economy relies heavily upon the agricultural industry for the people to consume and live. Without such resources America will be seen as being unable to provide for their own people to the global eye.
The United States should build relationships with other Asian nations such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. It is diplomatic that America has cooperated with China to achieve goals, but America must strengthen is relationship with other nations as well. There is more to the global world than China alone. Cooperation with other nations would not only help them possibly deter from the reliance upon China for imported goods, but also increase ideas for reforms, foreign aid/assistance, and form new allies.

2/27/2016 10:54:45 am

Hello Thu-Tao,
I agree with you completely that the U.S. should continue to build on relations with South East Asia (SEA). The U.S. and Viet Nam were once enemies (foolishly so), and now enjoy open relations. Laos is challenged by poverty and can use U.S. assistance so they can develop. In the past I worked in Thailand and found it an impressive country. I think SEA could form a strong partnership with each-other and the U.S. to further human development. This could also go a long way to tip the balance of power away from China that is becoming predatory to its neighbors and hostile to U.S. interests. SEA should not be ignored.

2/28/2016 12:56:08 pm

Thu-Thao: You have a good point. China is the largest foreign owner of the United States. As a result, China has a good grip on the security of the American economy. I agree with you that the main potential threat to America is its reliance on China. As of last fall, China along with other countries have been selling U.S. government bonds at the fastest pace on record. And, you are right in that, up to present, the United States has held a secure seat in the UN Security Council, which has rendered it much influence in the state of international political affairs, and a lot of that power came from its dominance in the global economy.

3/8/2016 03:00:49 pm

Hello Thu-Thao,
You make a good point that the United States should work to increase its diplomatic relations with other Asian countries surrounding China such as Vietnam and Thailand. It is important to be cordial with everyone, not only the entity in charge of your debt. If the United States can be more friendly with other nations, then perhaps those nations can fund our debt as well.

3/3/2016 07:44:21 pm

After the Second World War, the international scenario changed dramatically. Power shifted, and has been changing ever since. The United Nations was created an institution that would regulate relations between nations around the globe. As the leaders of such organization, the allies from the WWII remained as what now is known the Security Council, the most influential branch of the UN. Here were to remain the most powerful nations in the world. However, that is the way it was supposed to be. But, after the Cold War, and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the United States emerged as the most politically and economic powerful state in the world, something that we still witness today. The US has become an empire, expanding its culture and influence around the globe. Part of what facilitated this state to get to this position, and perhaps what has kept it there, is the geopolitical position in which it put itself into. First of all, the US has no threat or competition near it, in the Americas, all are aware of who the hegemon is, not even Canada would defy the US' authority. Also, the US has managed to place itself in every zone around the globe, everywhere it has political, economic, and (most importantly), military presence. All this has ensured the US' place as the hegemon. Nevertheless, there are certain possible threats that have emerged in the past years. The main one is the rise of other economically powerful nations that have diminished the US' influence, nations like China or nations referred as BRIC's. Another threat is a repercussion of the American political presence in other zones, what has came to be known as terrorism; such organizations question the legitimacy of the American giant. Along with this, the incapability of not being able to control international conflicts, or effectively guide (this includes the other Security Council members) the other nations to do so. This has become a crucial fact, since it has deteriorated the reputation of the American empire as the global "leader".
If the United States wants to maintain itself in power, it would have to establish great relations with certain nations. Particularly, with BRIC ones. since, they're power has been constantly emerging. Eventuallly, it would also have to develop good relations with key nations in a certain zone; like Iran in the Middle East, or Venezuela or Cuba in Latin America. These relations would help the US' reputation as the world's unlabelled leader. The US may not have the same power as it did before, but it still remains the most influential force that drives international affairs.

Abhisheak Sharma

3/4/2016 01:34:35 pm

Hey Anteo,
I do agree with your take on how the US needs to build strong relations with the BRIC. Those nations are up and coming and in the long run the US can benefit from theses nations.

Mary Rasooli

3/25/2016 08:06:23 am

Hi Anteo, I definitely agree with building ties with BRIC because it seems to be a very necessary relationship that has been on the rocks for quite some time.

3/3/2016 10:59:04 pm

For years and years the United States was the worlds leading super power with the most powerful military in the world but it has recently shifted with other emerging countries such as China. There has been a balancing out of power, other countries no longer look to the United States to solve all the problems. The problem is the United Sates keeps stepping in to protect their interests. One of the biggest threats to U.S power is China. China’s economy is surging and rapidly becoming a key player in the world market, not to mention we are in debited to them. Another threat is the growing dislike for the United States in other parts of the world. Countries are feed up and have had enough of the United States getting involved in everyones business, things were different years ago when the UN security council needed the United states and the military power that came with it.In my opinion on another threat to U.S power is the United States it self, it has happened to every great empire in the past they get to big or over extend them self too much and boom everything falls apart. That is exactly what America is an empire that stretched it self too thin It wont be long before the boom. Nations that would should have a relationship with, China definitely they are inline to be the next world super power . Another is Germany, they are economically and socially stable and can be a useful allies if and when the time comes to rebuild. Lastly i think one of the countries in the middle east and try to rebuild relations in that region.

3/4/2016 05:36:33 pm

Christian: Yes, the United States has been too ambitious and such ambition has led it to a place where it doesn't want to be. However, the Unites States is still the world's hegemon. It is still the most economically and militarily powerful nation in the world, for such reason, it still has great authority in international affairs. Nevertheless, we do have to improve relations with other states, particularly in some key areas, like the Middle East (as you mentioned). Such relation will ease tension that is put in the US.

3/8/2016 03:04:59 pm

Dear Christian,
I think you are right: here comes the boom! America as a superpower has been attempting to assert its influence, but in the process of doing so, it has expended vast quantities of money, resources, and popular opinion. All of these factors have contributed to the downfall of the United States as its attempts to overextend its power and influence has directly lead to its downfall.

Gabriel

3/3/2016 11:36:29 pm

For the past century, the United States has been one of the most dominant forces in the planet. Although Russia, China, and other countries stand right behind it, the United States military and economic power still outshines its competitors. Although it is standing in the top seat, there are still threats to the United States economy and military. China is becoming a larger and larger country, to the point where it is the country that many large companies rely upon. If China surpasses the United States or even if China’s economy collapses, the United States would still be in trouble regardless of which event happens. If China breaks, the United States economy will also go down, as many of the companies that help sustain the United States economy depend on China as well. If China surpasses the United States, then the US will lose influence over many countries, and won't be as influential inside the UN, which is another threat to the United States. A third threat from my own point of view, is the deportation of all immigrants in this country. Although it is very unlikely, the economy would surely feel the pain of all the labor that would be missing and the taxes that they still pay while buying many products. China Is definitely the country we should partner with. It is an economy that is growing exponentially by the day. If we are in good terms with china, that means that even if it surpasses the United States, we would still be on top, because China would support us as well as we would support them. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the strongest if your friend is.

3/4/2016 01:45:08 pm

Hey Gabriel,
I understand your thoughts on how the US depends on China. I do agree with it to some extend, China has done a lot for the US money wise and if China breaks like you have said, the US might have a lot of effect from that as well. China has to collect money from the US and if China starts to break, US will have to start paying its debt and I don't know where the money for it will come from.

wenli zhou

3/6/2016 07:51:09 pm

Hi Gabriel. I think partner with China is definitely necessary. However, the growth of China might change this partnership slowly because China will not satisfied on what the U.S was offered before. In other words, capitalism is based on the sacrifices(free labor) of others. capitalism will not make profit without it. China on the other hand wants more profit than the U.S could give.

Madalyn Hart

3/3/2016 11:50:16 pm

Since WW2 the United States has consistently held the title of being the main and strongest superpower in the world. Not only is this because the United States has had (and still has) the strongest military and military presence around the world, but it is a force that is available for aid almost anywhere if needed. A conflict with this however is that The United States has in several cases overstepped their bounds in aiding people who do not want to be helped. The United States has also made the mistake of forcing ideas and change on other countries when in reality that should have been left to its own government to figure out. This is what had been making other countries and governments angry. Another threat to the United States is the massive amount of debt we owe China. How can a country keep its strong military force and remain a superpower if they need financial help from other countries? This will eventually catch up to the United States and when it does it wont be pretty. The United States has made a lot of countries angry. As for countries that the United States should form alliances with I believe that China and Russia should most definitely be on the list. Seeing as we owe china a large amount of money I think it’s really important to have them as part of a partnership. I think it is also really important to remain close with Russia seeing as the Cold War wasn’t too long ago. The expression of “keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer” in this case will serve us right. Avoiding a WW3 should be on the top of everyone’s priorities aside from global warming.

3/4/2016 05:41:27 pm

It is interesting to think that even though the United States is in debt with China, it still remains and the military hegemon. But this is a policy that our government learned to maintain: always a strong military ,since when diplomacy doesn't work, force will. There is certainly a wide variety of nation with whom the US should improve its relations with, but I do agree that Russia and China are among the main ones.

3/6/2016 07:38:11 pm

Hi,Madalyn. Yes I agree, the United States has had (and still has) the strongest military and military presence around the world. the U.S. has 662 overseas bases in 38 foreign countries, which is a smaller number than the 900 bases Paul cited. With such power, there is no other countries on earth can compare with America.

3/4/2016 12:51:08 pm

Right after World War II had ended, The United States wanted to be involved in global problems around the world. The creation of United Nations abled US to see and in involved in conflicts that might occur in the future. After World War I the US did not become a part of League of Nations which had all the main Nations in it expect for the US. After the second war, US become the most powerful and influential for the Third world states. United States political position among the global is that they will go out their way to help or make a Third World State follow the way America wants it to be. The US does that in different ways either by giving aid to a nation or sending their military to speed up the process. The strengths of the US are there military and economic advancements which allows the US to take action as it pleases. There are some threats that the US may face. One is the emergence of China, how China has become a very successful economic nation by not following what the US says is the only way to and that is being Capitalist nation. China has proven that a nation does not have to be Capitalist to become one of the successful economies in the world. Another threat is other nations like China trying to become more powerful and having a successful economic. In the article it talks about BRICS, these are the Third World nations on the up rise. Third threat is terrorism, them questioning Americas authority causes the US a concern. I think the US needs to build partnerships with the up a rising nation from the Third World. India and Brazil should be the two nations that the US needs to be friends with. Both India and Brazil have a lot to offer for the US companies to expand their bases to those nations. The economy of both India and Brazil are in great stage and it can help the US in numerous ways.

christian trinidad

3/6/2016 09:02:53 pm

hey Abhi
I had completely forgot a bout the league of nations which was the precursor to the United Nations minus the United States, who helped start it but refused to be in it. I think another relationship that needs to be formed is some countries in the middle east.

3/6/2016 07:24:22 pm

The American has a lot of advantage on geography. The Americans are not important because of who they are, but because of where they live. In the late 1700s, spanish settlers colonized America because of convenient waterway and large piece of farmland. The Greater Mississippi Basin together with the Intracoastal Waterway has more kilometers of navigable internal waterways than the rest of the world combined. All of these above strengthens the scope of the global power of the U.S. The United States has capital, food surpluses and physical insulation in excess of every other country in the world by an exceedingly large margin. Thus, the U.S. have the ability and resources to be influential.
Uprising of third world countries is one of the potential threats to U.S. power. the grouping together of Third World states had transformed their subject status and helped to change the legal and moral climate across international society. Even Though third world countries are not strong individually, they are influential as a group.
ISIS is another potential threats to U.S. power. American government think careful when dealing with terrorist. If the U.S. acted weak in front of terrorism, then it will affect political stands of America.
psychological awakening in other countries is a threat to America’s capitalism. Bull argued, a ‘psychological awakening’ in the non-Western world: anti-colonial revolution and the struggle for equal sovereignty, racial equality, economic justice and cultural liberation.
America should build partnership with African nations because they are resourceful and cheap in labors. For example, Namibia is resourceful in live stocks and mines. If America can gain partnership with Namibia and import their meat product, American can safe water and reduce air pollution in the country.

3/25/2016 08:04:31 am

Hi there Wenli, I think a relationship with Africa would be very beneficial but i cant help but worry about the possibilities of the exploitation of the laborers working for these american companies. I think that the more we seek profit for our own needs, the Us tends to exploit and take advantage of the weak rather that helping their economies and citizens as well through their business partnerships

3/8/2016 03:18:14 pm

Currently, the United States is one of the most prominent nations in the entire world. This is due in part to our high quality of life, liberal education system, technological economy, and cultural influence around the world. All of these factos strengthens the scope of the global power of the United States. For example, students come from around the world to study in the United States where a lot of the world’s top universities are located. Afterward, many attempt to stay in the United States to work on cutting-edge research or businesses. Whether it be the CRISPR lab at Harvard, the multi-media empire of Hollywood, or the technological ventures of the Silicon Valley, the United States draws people who wish to challenge themselves creatively and intellectually from around the world. Three potential threats to the power of the United States include “environmental threats…global finance…[and] economic inequality” (98). In order words, climate change, world markets, and income inequality are all significant factors that will have untold consequences on the power and influence of the United States. In order to help our chances of remaining a world’s superpower, the United States needs to build partnerships with other nations whose economies are on the rise such as Germany, China, and India. Germany has a leadership position in Europe, China has a leadership position in Asia, and India has a leadership position in southeast Asia. It is important for America to align itself with other leaders-of-nations around the world in order to help deaden any eventual fall from grace. And finally, the United States needs to work together with nations rather than merely telling them what to do. No one wants to be friends with a bully.

3/25/2016 07:53:15 am

I love the comment about the bullying! I think that is extremely imperative to the US's success in maintaining good standing with the rest of the world.

3/25/2016 07:52:22 am

The US has been a global leader in the Economics, Military, Technology, and social sphere. The US has managed to assert its dominance in the economic arena through its development of mass production technologies that allowed American markets to thrive. This set the tone for globalization and the back and forth business between America, China, India and other larger economic leaders. The overall mass production-consumption culture has made America a known high-consumption country and has furthered the US’s standing through the power of money. Additionally, the United State’s military and technological advancements and constant mobility has created industry after industry of profit that only the US has been capable of accomplishing so far. However, other countries like China have been catching on and flexing their muscles by establishing extreme leadership in the economic and technological realm, making the US seem not so powerful any more.
However, it’s influence and strength is slowly dwindling due to the threat of its rocky relationships with foreign countries and the constant back-and-forth of hostilities and bullying on both sides. I think that the world views US politics in a very different light now, and it's not good lighting. We aren’t seen as role models, or this amazing country that everyone loves and looks up to frankly because of all of the wasteful things we’ve done politically to further our agendas. Although our image has been a bit tainted, we are still the leaders, the English language and Dollar dominate, our popular culture is coveted, and people still dream of coming here because of the security and safety we experience that other countries don't have. So, another threat is that we STILL have a reputation and image to uphold. We are still the leaders in a sense and people will always look to the US and make comparisons. Meaning, there is a lot of pressure for the US to come in and play the “adult” by stepping into conflicts as well as aiding the most when disasters occur. These are types of pressures and expectations that the US must work to uphold and cannot afford slacking. The third potential threat to US power is the US’s reliance on foreign production and the foriegn market. The fact that the majority ofour products are made in China or other countries shows that we are not producing enough on american soil, which means that we are reliant and that could go wrong in many situations.
Countries like China and India are quickly developing and innovating in many aspects that the US can benefit from. Building relationships with them seems to be essential. Additionally, I think building a more healthy relationship with the middle eastern countries would benefit since the current relationship we have established is not an effective one. I think it would set the stage for other countries and lead to a more peaceful, civil world.

Michelle Bounkousohn

3/27/2016 02:35:18 pm

The US is viewed as a neoimperialistic power, with 62 overseas military bases, and constant influence and intervention into international affairs. The US's global power is contingent on its large military presence, the history and perpetuation of colonization, and its power as an economic force, especially in developing nations where US transnational corporations seek profit from cheap labor and cheap natural resources.

The greatest threats to US power are the growing discontent of the global community towards the US's imperialistic global power, the discontent towards US's environmental pollution, and internal citizen discontent with the role the US plays in international affairs.

The US should build greater partnerships with developing countries as their international policies have proven to be catastrophic for many of these countries in the past. The US should also seek greater international responsibility and accountability for its actions in committing war crimes in the Middle East, in instigating revolutions in other countries for its own national grain, for exploiting and harming millions of people in developing nations, for forcing all other nations to live with the environmental reality of its excessive carbon emissions. Many of the struggles outlined in Bull's argument of the "revolt against the West" are issues of liberation that occur not only within the non-Western world, but within Western states as their people become more aware of the unjust institutions that oppress them and millions/billions of others just like them around the globe. This psychosocial awakening is crucial in addressing the US's global power, especially as it relates to other developing and developed countries.

Week 8 - Another Revolt Against the West?

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Poli 3 - DeAnza

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Week 8 - Another Revolt Against the West?

Leave a Reply.

Poli 3 - DeAnza

THE BEAUTYOF BLACKCREATION

ABOUT USJOURNALS​​SUBMISSIONS

THE BEAUTY

OF BLACK

CREATION

ABOUT US

JOURNALS

SUBMISSIONS