@BN- What the fuck? Did I not say that the US is generally a creation of Europe?
America is, essentially, a society comprised of Europeans. Sure we have a genetic mix, but its still mostly a European settler culture.
Ignore the fact that the US fought a war of independence, an almost war with France, another war with England....
How much history do you need? Or are you and Sander bent on beating off?
One might also say that the US would not have been created if Europe didn't spend so much time going to war with itself.
WHich is probably Europe's problem- an over enlarged sense of importance, high levels of nationalism, petty squabbles, internal competition. Its the divisions that can undo you.
But as the EU suggests, Europe is outgrowing that to create a sense of aunited identity, of shared history and culture that also respects distinctions. As China grows economically stronger, as it challenges European influence in different parts of the world, and as the Russians wag their military strength and oil power, the Europeans will likely respond by uniting rather than dividing.
I think Europe is in a better place than its been - ever. That it manages to maintain its liberal democratcy and largely capitalist economy added to its ethnic and national differences- at least its honest.
Compared to China? The CCP hangs onto power by claiming its hegemony in economic growth. But now it can't even control its own economy least the social reprecussions challenge its rule.
After the recent earthquakes a lot of Chinese are beginning to ask questions about their government- which will probably be the biggest hurdle for China to become a superpower. IF the CCP falls- then we can probably see China become the superpower it strives to be. Until then- the problem of corruption is rampant. For all its growth- China suffers huge income disparities and has a massive population that lives in squalor. To remain in power it must build its despotic power- its ability to repress and to dominate through force. Such states eventually bankrupt themselves.
Russia- a third world nation with oil and nuclear weapons run by petty dictators. Another authoritarian dictatorship with a limited shelflife.
I wouldn't write too much into US decline. US was largely a super power before World War 2 and its economy is still powerful. THat the US became so power after World War 2 had much to do with the weakness of other regions. As those powers grow, relatively the US declines. But relative decline isn't the same as absolute decline.
We might be going thorugh a period of overstretch and W's last 7 years has made matters only worse. I expect the US will need to go through a period of consolidation and reform.
