With the recent shift in the value of the USD, alot of news stations have been talking about the future power of the US compared to the other major powers out there. What I've considered lately: If you check the CIA World Factbook, they claim the US economy grows by about 0.3% per annum, whereas other major world powers are growing at a much higher rate (i.e. Canada is growing at about 3.5% per annum). The US use to be the center of industrialization until India and China opened their doors and let the flood of cheap labor hit the international markets. India has just exploded in the past decade. Their economy is growing at a massive rate, and every big company has operations setup in India now. They are producing the same skilled labor force as other countries, they aren't just general labor anymore. England/UK is still strong, but they don't seem to be really doing alot. The Queen is quite old now and it's just a matter of years before one of the Prince's takes the throne (that should be a very interesting day). The EU seems to be the most liberal of all world powers right now IMHO. They are holding the most controversial conferences (such as the environmental summit last year), and the Euro is one of the most powerful currencies in the world right now. Canada is doing great in their economy and education system. But we still don't have a proper army (our Navy consists of like 12 battleships and a bunch of small cruisers, and we basically just follow the US wherever they send their forces). I don't really know enough about what Japan is doing to comment much. But I believe they are growing stronger, but mostly in technology and industry. Russia is doing as they have been for many years - trying to keep up with the US on a weaker economy. In the wake of 911, the US invaded Afghanistan with the full support of all the other major powers. When they invaded Iraq the story changed to having the UK, Canada, and a few small units from other countries pitching in. With their sights set on Iran and North Korea, it seems the US doesn't have the international support they once did. I'm guessing that in the next 10-15 years we'll see the US gradually slip further and further down the food chain. Which leaves this question - who will be the next major power? Or do you think we might be looking at more of a group of major world powers (i.e the EU reigning supreme)?
These are the last days of the Empire. We are sliding into third world status. Without erasing the national debt, strengthening our currency and removing our reliance on foreign oil we are doomed!