Introduction

The U.S. led liberal world order is undergoing a transition period that might lead to its end. When the U.S. political, economic, and military power declines, the world order is also under threat because it depends on the super power country. The U.S. global dominance is on the decline. There is a   power shift from the West and the emergence of other global power eminent. These changes are likely to bring about new world order where the United States will just be a spectator in the global contribution. Other non-western countries such as Russia and China have been on a tremendous rise, which poses a great risk to the U.S. world leadership. These two countries have realized major improvements in their military, economic, and political systems in the recent past (Nye, 2011). Though the expected change in the liberal order will not be drastic, it is imperative that going by the changes in the leadership clout and economic stability of the U.S., the emergence of a new and stronger internal is in the pipe line.

            The International Order verses the United States

A decline in the U.S. power means a decline in the ability of the current order to remain in force. This is because the order depends on the U.S. entirely. Following the end of the world war, the U.S coined the concept and convinced the world to rally behind it. The U.S. eventually became the “owner” of the order, making it the undisputable world leader. Since the U.S., has been strong politically and economy in the past, it follows that weak nations could not content for the leadership of the system. However, today things have changed. The United States’ dominance in the global affairs is gradually diminishing and other global countries such as Russia, china; India, Japan, and European Union are on a tremendous rise. If this trend continues, other countries will take advantage of it and reduce the Americans dominance in the global economy (Nye 2011).

The Decline of U.S. Power and the Direct Consequences

Since the early 1960s, the United States economy has been in a free fall putting its global economic dominance at stake. The country’s global trade share is falling drastically while other countries are increasing their share consistently. In addition, the country is experiencing abnormal increases in the debts that have a great effect on the country’s balance of payment. To reduce these debts, the United States has adopted to depend on foreign purchasers who are also detrimental to its economic survival. If the decline continuous fir a few more years, American will have no option, but relinquish its leadership position to other capable global powers to redefine the order’s future (Power shifts, 2015).

While the GDPs of countries like China are increasing every day, the United States’ GDP is diminishing. This is a great contrast. During the end of Second World War, the United States was the only major player in the world capitalist system. The Chinese economy has increased making the country enjoy the second spot in economic global dominance. Though United States has not been overtaken by China, this will be the most likely scenario in future if something is not done swiftly (Zheng 2006).

The United States still has a better GDP than China. China’s contribution to the global GDP is estimated to be between 10% to 15% and a global population of 20%. On the other hand, the United States contributes around twenty-five percent in the global GDP and has a population of 6%. It is, therefore, rational to conclude that United States is still a formidable force in the global economy (Nye 2011).

In support of china’s threat as a global economic powerhouse, it has been noting a steady economic development over the years. It is important to understand that China’s economy has been registering a 9.7% annual growth since the 1970s. Because of this tremendous growth, China has had the second largest economy after U.S., surpassing that of Britain. This has brought about improved living standards for its population with the per capita income increasing from US$ 205 in1980 to US$ 1,100 in the mid-2000s

Another important aspect likely to lead to the decline of the United States economy is the decline in its market share inthe third world countries. Both Russians and Chinese are in stiff competition to win over the third world market. These republics have engaged in good will tours and providing aid programs to these countries that have put them in a better economic position than United States.

China and Russians have adopted a strategy of scooping the untapped Middle East market to increase their chances of global dominance. Some scholars have argued that the rapid growth of the Chinese economy is at the expense of other countries(Zheng 2006). China has embraced diversion of investment. While the United States and some rising world powers are trading with fellow western countries, China has opted to expand its trade to Asia. This has resulted in a tremendous rise in investment inflows.

Apart from the decline in the economic front, the United States’ military capabilities have also reduced significantly. A country’s global military contribution is a great measure of a country’s global dominance.

Over the last few decades, scholars and analysts have been concerned by the United States failure to control warring states such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq. It is notable that the country has had little influence wars that pose a great threat to global security (Brzezinski 2007). Despite the heavy military gear like the nuclear weapons that it has, the super power was unable to prevent the Korean War, war in Vietnam, to dislodge the Castro regime in Cuba, or to roll back communism in Eastern Europe.

The Vietnam War had serious implications for the economy of Americans. It resulted to bellow 6% decline in the country’s GDP, especially between 1973 and 1975. The country’s unemployment also doubled to 9% from 4.5% during the same period. It is also imperative to understand that the country’s inflation was at historic high. The United States was unable to have influence in the global oil markets. Jimmy Carter referred to the energy crisis and the fiscal crisis experienced by the Americans as the greatest challenges faced by Americans in their lifetime (Brysk 2007).

Washington’s inability to have a positive influence in the Middle East is another 8induixcatrir of its fall and the fall of the internal world order. The world today expects the United States to unite Israelites and Palestinians to ease the ceasefire. Americans failure to reach this milestone is considered by many politr8ical science experts as an indication of the decline in the United States global predominance (Zheng 2006).

The current rise in the political, economic, and military potent in china is a threat to United States dominance. China is a great contender to balance the United States’ power. If these anticipations are to go by, Chinaand other rising nations will spearhead the birthing of a new liberal international world order(Gindin&Panitch, 2012).

            The Indisputable Position of the U.S.

The future of the U.S. as a world leader is certain for people. The interpretation of the current happening in economic and political spheres in the world is different among experts. However, by carrying out an objective analysis of their views, it is possible to find practical answers regarding the future of the current world order.

Some experts are of the opinion that the current changes in the world political agenda have nothing to do with the ability of the U.S. to lead the world. They say the United States has the muscles and capabilities to remain competitive in the global affairs. It global policies are appealing to most countries’, including the rising stars. The U.S concept has contributed to the success of the world, and no country would oppose the system in its entirety (Melissen 2007).

The economy of the U.S. is also still very strong to allow lead, according to some experts. They say United States GDP depicts the country’s economy being more powerful than that of China, Germany, Japan, and UK combined. The living standards in United States has also been ahead by a long way as it is estimated to be six times higher as compared to that of China that is supposedly the greatest challenger (Melissen 2007).

The economic growth of China cannot get to expected limits due to geographical constraints. Beijing’s territorial expansion is severely limited by geography and has adverse effects to economic growth. This thought implies that China has a long way to go to have the power and resources that the U.S. currently boasts of the U.S.

China has a population of 1.3 billion, which is the largest population of any country in the world. However, the population is aging rapidly after the introductions of the one-child policy imposed in 1979. This will result in unstable working population, as they will experience a sharp decline in the productive population (Bellamy, n. d,). The large population was instrumental to china’s economic growth and with such adverse effects on the population; it will be difficult to achieve such milestones again.

Another factor that may work in favor of the U.S. is it comparative military strength. According to Chomsky (2004), the concept of military strength may be overlooked in economic matters but has great significance to the overall economic status in a country. China has made huge progress in terms of military buildup. However, it is behind the United States. The Chinese military does not have the reconnaissance network needed to track and target U.S. warships. This means, the U.S. military though weaker than during the World War II, is stronger than the Chinese one. There have been speculations of Beijing’s heavy investment in nuclear weapons; however, their investment is far much below that of Washington.

Some experts also argue that the political culture in China will also be unfavorable for its future dominance in the global economic front. The presence of the communist party has monopolized power in China thus making it difficult for reforms in the political system(Global Trends 2013). Corruption, bribery, embezzlement of funds and kickbacks are a natural epidemic in China. Favoritism towards state-controlled industries and well-connected industrialists results in massive inefficiencies. With such high levels of graft, the intended levels of economic growth may never be realized. Chinese political culture does not favor the required reforms, and thus it would compromise China’s political and moral ability to compete the United States(Global Trends 2013). The United States has been a role model for many countries for centuries, despite the challenges it is facing today, it has earned the recognition as a democracy with the ability to lead the world. These concepts maybe debatably, however, the country’s popularity is not. Some leaders use this analysis to illustrate that the political might of the U.S. across the world.

            Conclusion

Despite the views of some experts that the position of the U.S. is unchallengeable given the weakness of its competitors, it is clear that its global supremacy is at stake. It would be better if the U.S display it ability to lead better to convince the world to give it another opportunity. The need to be politically appealing is necessary because other countries are becoming more political, economic and militarily strong. This, however, should not be viewed with suspicion. The American led order was fashioned on the foundation of promoting democratic ideals. As a result, the possibility of other nations taking over its leadership is eminent and should be viewed as a mark of the success of the leadership success. The opinion that the competition is still too weak and the U.S. has no competition is self-defeating. The fact the political field has changed over time and competition for the position is growing at an alarming rate indicates that the current leadership of the U.S, irrespective of its benefits, might prepare for a possible change of guard. The suggestion that the U.S is still strong and other participants in the order will not want to lead it and make their contributions is also incorrect. The liberal world order is a political tool that the U.S. has used to popularize it agenda and that of the world. Through it, the U.S has had privileges. Since the order is apolitical instrument used to pursue political goals among other goals, the rising nations will want to lead as well. With time and given the impact of the law of numbers, the order will have a completely different face.

One other thing that is apparent is that the struggle over the leadership of the world is experiencing today has almost nothing to do with the fundamental objectives of the order. The order’s objectives are to promote democracy, equity, and human freedoms and rights. No nation will have an interest tosuggest that these principles be replaced. The world has deep-seated interest in preserving the system. However, it cannot remain in its current form in the future. The possibility of anew leader coming in through a democratic process is certain. Despite the thought that the current order is serving a crucial purpose, the new leadership will introduce new policies to meet emerging world challenges and make the leadership relevant. The policies will change the form of the order.

References

Bellamy, A., n.d., The responsibility to protect: A defense.

Brysk, A., 2007. National insecurity and human rights democracies debate counterterrorism. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Brzezinski, Z., 2007. The Grand Chessboard American Primacy And Its Geostrategic Imperatives.New York: Basic Books.

Chomsky, N., 2004. Hegemony or survival: America’s quest for global dominance. London [etc.: Penguin Books.

Gindin, S., &Panitch, L., 2012.The making of global capitalism: The political economy of American empire.London: Verso.

Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World: A Transformed World.2013. NewYork, California: US Independent Agencies and Commissions.

Melissen, J., 2007. The new public diplomacy: Soft power in international relations.Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Nye, J.,2011. Future of Power And Use in the Twenty-first Century.New York: PublicAffairs.

Power shifts, economic change and the decline of the west?(n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2015, from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/power-shifts-economic-change-and-the-decline-of-the-west/power-shifts-economic-change-and-the-decline-of-the-west

Zheng, B., 2006. China’s peaceful rise speeches of ZhengBijian, 1997-2006. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press

 
Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?