Quote:
Originally posted by skywalker:
It has been said in the past (by no one here I believe) that the USA is the sole Superpower in the World today!
Superpower: n. a nation which, by reason of its economic, political and military strength, influences the policies of less powerful nations. (The New Lexicon Webster's Dictionary Of The English Language)
I guess the question is whether it is a good or bad thing?
Is America a Superpower because:
1)We say it is so.
2)Other nations say it is so.
3)We fought a boxing match with the Soviet Union and were the last ones standing.
4)We have the most influence.
5)We are the most benevolent.
6)We are the most arrogant.
7)We have the most wealth.
8)We have the most bombs (of many varieties).
9)It is a catchy name and no other Nation claims it at the moment.
10)We earned it.
11)We deserve it.
12)The world owes us this title.
13)We think no other nation comes close to us.
I like to think it is because we truly do try to make the World a better place for everone, even if we are mostly misunderstood. I also believe we are not perfect and mess things up at times.
I think the title should be removed from the American Psyche. When there were 2 Superpowers it seemed to be a way to show there were 2 nations holding each other in check and balancing things. Now the word feels selfserving and arrogant. The word needs to go. We are supposed to be a World Leader, in some issues it seems we are a World Deserter.
Any Thoughts?
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I don't believe America is benevolent in the true sense of the word, but by no stretch are we malevolent. As with most things in life, there is middle ground. While we lean more toward benevolence on a world wide scale, we think of ourselves first.
We do those things which are in our own best interest, and historically, have done it in a benevolant manner. We do good things in the world, but for the most part, we do those things with our own interests in mind. This is not a bad thing. Doing things that are good for us and helping others along the way isn't such a bad deal for anyone involved.
As to "Superpower", I think it's still appropriate, but I don't believe we are the only one. The problem is that it was used exclusive regarding the US and the Soviet Union. The US and Soviets were the most prominent, but many nations use their economic, political, and military power to influence the policies of lesser nations. I believe Russia is a still a superpower. The Soviet Union's dissolution left many nations, and each of those "new" nations retained differing degrees of that superpower.
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