Originally posted by SeitseI have yet to read it but it surely follows as true that you cant stay at the top forever and that at some point after reaching some kind of peak, a nation will slowly decline.
US economic, military and political dominance is likely to decline over the next two decades, according to a new US intelligence report on global trends.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7741049.stm
So, what do you think about the report?
From the Babylonians to now each empire/power/hegemonic influence has had their place in the sun until the other nations just a rung below learn how to adapt to all of her strong points while hopefully avoiding all of her weaknesses. It seems the only difference may be that the cycle from underdog to top tog and then be toppled to just another dog again has gotten quicker over time.
Originally posted by kmax87I read the other day a very interesting paper about these quicker cycles you mention. If only my head would work as before, damn it.
I have yet to read it but it surely follows as true that you cant stay at the top forever and that at some point after reaching some kind of peak, a nation will slowly decline.
From the Babylonians to now each empire/power/hegemonic influence has had their place in the sun until the other nations just a rung below learn how to adapt to all of her strong po ...[text shortened]... underdog to top tog and then be toppled to just another dog again has gotten quicker over time.
Originally posted by KazetNagorraIf the US government follows the tax policies in Europe, the average American well definitely be less well off. Higher prices may make people consume less, but the only reason will be because they have less.
Well, a 1% decline is still a decline, so it's probably right. I don't think the average American will be less well off in two decades, but other nations are catching up, which causes the relative difference to diminish.
Originally posted by EladarIf you think income is the only, or even an appropiate measure for welfare you need an economics course. In any case, you contradict yourself since Norway, which has very high taxes, also has a higher GDP per capita than the US.
Standard of living. The question is how much money the average person has to spend after paying for the necessities of life.
Originally posted by SeitseIt may be true, but I disagree with the part about India.
US economic, military and political dominance is likely to decline over the next two decades, according to a new US intelligence report on global trends.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7741049.stm
So, what do you think about the report?
There's still a long way to go for India.
I don't believe that the US is going to "decline" per se -- it's just that a lot of countries that used to be dirt poor are rapidly adopting modern technology and will thus become closer to (or perhaps better than) the US in their standard of living.
In the early 1900s, the world's power was concentrated among a few European nations - and then, after Europe was ravaged by two world wars, it allowed the US to reach an absurd level of power over a world that was otherwise living in the dark ages or in ruins.
It would be foolish to expect or even hope that such conditions would continue for very long. Since the 1950s, Europe recovered and it and the many other parts of the world have been growing at a rapid rate. Modern communication and transportation technolgies have played a large role. As this has happened, the US has seen it's relative dominance shrink, even as living standards have continued to rise.
But all of this is a good thing
Imagine if a chess grandmaster spent all his time playing people rated 1000 or less. He'd win every game easily and feel really dominant, but his (or her) skills would erode over time. Anyone who wants to improve their chess game does best to find opponents who are better than they are, so they can learn and grow. Likewise, Americans should welcome the development of other nations. The increased competition will do us a lot of good.
Originally posted by KazetNagorraI don't think you understood what I was saying. I meant how much disposable income does the average person have? How much money is left over after paying all the bills?
If you think income is the only, or even an appropiate measure for welfare you need an economics course. In any case, you contradict yourself since Norway, which has very high taxes, also has a higher GDP per capita than the US.
Originally posted by EladarMmmm. Sounds like you're trying to hammer out some kind of Eladar Meaning Of Life here. I suggest you try to avoid being too shallow though. Think in terms of 'quality of life' instead of disposable income. Surely you are not suggesting that Americans enjoy a better 'quality of life' than all Europeans?
I meant how much disposable income does the average person have? How much money is left over after paying all the bills?