US Power and the Hydra of Issues

Considering the debate last night, it seems to me that team 2 had a stronger argument. While both teams addressed domestic issues, team 2’s argument covered them more comprehensively and many of the economic issues face by the United States can be seen as a result of some of the other issues like demagogues and policies resulting in poor international standing raised by team one. Team one also pointed out that political division within the country can lead to larger structural issues like the government shutdown. Additionally, education was another important point brought up by team 2. Education is important for a countries ability to provide a competitive workforce.

Environmental issues were also brought up as a threat to the United States during the class session. I think this was also a valid point. If some of the most daunting prediction made by experts are correct, there will be huge issues of scarcity in the near future. Greater scarcity tends to lead to more conflict. With the existence of nuclear arms, a large scale war is unlikely. However, it is conceivable that we would see an increase in proxy wars and the exploitation of more vulnerable nations. There was also a point made in class about the potential loss of cities and even entire countries. This would no doubt change the distribution of political-economic power within the international environment. The US would need to be able to adjust to such a drastically shifting environment to maintain its place and security in the international arena.

             I think there is no simple answer or threat one can point at. I believe the United States faces a hydra of issues that will have to be dealt with comprehensively. As other countries gain more military and economic power the United States will have to consider how it approaches the rest of the actors in the international environment. I suspect soft power and strategic alliances will become more crucial going forward.  The effects of technology and climate change will also no doubt play a role in future threats to US power and also present a lot of unknowns that the US will have to adapt to promptly when the time comes. The answers to some of these questions likely lie within the scientific community. Unfortunately, due to political division and widespread misinformation campaigns, it may be too late by the time the answers are understood by the people that are able and willing to act on them. 

This lesson brought an end to the course. Having the opportunity to learn about and engage in all the different facets of IR was fascinating. For example, the concept of social constructivism as opposed to  the more realist way of thinking definitely gave me a lot more avenue to explore and consider in both analyzing the issues facing the US and the international community as well as all the possible ways to address those issues.