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.
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