Sun sets on US power: report predicts end of dominance

Sun sets on US power: report predicts end of dominance

www.guardian.co.uk

The United States' leading intelligence organisation has warned that the world is entering an increasingly unstable and unpredictable period in which the advance of western-style democracy is no longer assured, and some states are in danger of being "taken over and run by criminal networks".

The global trends review, produced by the National Intelligence Council (NIC) every four years, represents sobering reading in Barack Obama's intray as he prepares to take office in January. The country he inherits, the report warns, will no longer be able to "call the shots" alone, as its power over an increasingly multipolar world begins to wane.

(visit the link for the full news article)

I'm currently reading through the report now, it is an interesting read.

The reports paints a portent of the American future: A world without a single superpower, but nations with significant influence. EU will be a "hobble giant", unable to justify its growing economic influence due a "democracy gap". It predicts massive climate changes in New York, resulting in evacuations and a gloomy world where Western democracy is in a minority.

BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) will have increased their influence during the financial crisis of 2008 and taken advantaged of the American economic woes.

NIC also predict nations controlled by rogue elements and a factitious peace Middle East - dominated by the advance of nuclear weapons.

www.guardian.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)

[edit on 20-11-2008 by infinite]

Some highlights;

*The whole international system—as constructed following WWII—will be revolutionized. Not only will new players—Brazil, Russia, India and China— have a seat at the international high table, they will bring new stakes and rules of the game.

*The unprecedented transfer of wealth roughly from West to East now under way will continue for the foreseeable future.

*Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources—particularly energy, food, and water—raising the specter of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply.

*The potential for conflict will increase owing partly to political turbulence in parts of the greater Middle East.