The case for a North American century

Last updated on: February 4, 2015 at 5:45 am by Gene Veith

Many have been saying that America is in decline, that our political, cultural, and economic contributions are slipping. China, some say, is the up-and-coming nation. Others say that the age of the dominant world power is over.

But an op-ed piece by former General David Petraeus and Brookings Institute researcher Michael O’Hanlon say that the United States, in partnership with Canada and Mexico, has economic and demographic advantages over all comers that may make for a “North American Century.”

From David Petraeus and Michael O’Hanlon, America on the way up – The Washington Post:

The United States is, in fact, better positioned than any other country for the next 20 to 30 years — and, very likely, beyond. Together with Canada and Mexico, the United States also enjoys mutually reinforcing sources of competitive advantages in geopolitics, demographics, energy and natural resources, manufacturing and industrial competitiveness and, above all, innovation and technology. If the 20th century was the American Century, the 21st is poised to be the North American Century.

The writers go on to give eleven bullet-points, each listing a distinct American advantage. They do acknowledge difficulties, such as our education system and the federal deficit, but they are optimistic about America’s ability to overcome its problems.

What do you think of this? The writers emphasize economics, but is that all there is to national success and influence?