Featuring Elizabeth Ingleson, who analyzes America's global status, John Van Reenen, who critiques the mythologization of the U.S., and Ashley Tellis, who examines the concept of America's fading power. They discuss the narrative of America's decline and the implications of its shifting position as a superpower. The conversation touches on economic foundations, the challenge posed by China, shifts in foreign policy, and the urgency of rethinking priorities to address the climate crisis, emphasizing the intertwined nature of global dynamics.
The United States' economic dominance continues to thrive due to its size, innovation, and openness to immigration, projected to maintain a GDP of $28.7 trillion by 2024.
Despite evolving foreign relations showing reduced interest in nation-building, the U.S. is expected to retain its superpower status while navigating challenges from rising economies like China and India.
Deep dives
The Strength of the U.S. Economy
The United States boasts the largest economy in the world, with a projected GDP of $28.7 trillion by 2024, significantly ahead of China's $18.5 trillion. Key factors contributing to this economic success include the nation's size, which allows for substantial local demand and competition, fostering innovation. Openness to immigration has also played a vital role by attracting talent and entrepreneurial spirit from around the globe, creating a dynamic market environment. The presence of tech hubs and innovation clusters, like Silicon Valley and Cambridge, Massachusetts, has further fueled the growth of iconic multinational companies such as Apple and Google.
U.S. Foreign Policy and Military Role
The role of the United States as the world's policeman has shifted, particularly following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, signaling a reduced interest in nation-building. Moving forward, the U.S. is expected to maintain its position in global order by addressing aggressive actions from other nations, but without extensive efforts to reshape their internal structures. This reflects a growing public disinterest in foreign interventions, although the American populace remains responsive when national security is threatened. This nuanced approach indicates an evolution in U.S. foreign relations, focusing more on stabilization rather than transformation.
Challenges from Global Rivals
While the U.S. remains a dominant superpower, challenges from rising economies like China and India are reshaping global dynamics. China's economic ascent has been fueled by strategic reforms and globalization, but it also faces significant internal challenges, indicating a complex future. Meanwhile, India's economic potential hinges on its ability to achieve consistent high growth rates and effectively utilize its resources. Experts suggest that although the U.S. is likely to retain its superpower status for the foreseeable future, it must adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape and prioritize collaboration to tackle pressing global issues, such as climate change.
Contributor(s): Elizabeth Ingleson, John Van Reenen, Ashley Tellis | A shining city on a hill. America the beautiful. The United States has long been mythologised as the land of dreams and opportunity. And since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s it has been undisputedly the most powerful nation on earth. But is it a fading force? The idea of an America in decline has gained traction in recent years and has, of course, been capitalized on by President Trump. Is America’s ‘greatness’ under threat?
In this episode of LSE iQ, a collaboration with the LSE Phelan US Centre's podcast, The Ballpark, Sue Windebank and Chris Gilson speak to LSE’s Elizabeth Ingleson and John Van Reenen and Ashley Tellis from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Contributors
Elizabeth Ingleson
John Van Reenen
Ashley Tellis
Research
Made in China: When US-China Interests Converged to Transform Global Trade by Elizabeth Ingleson
The Fall of the Labor Share and the Rise of Superstar Firms by David Autor, David Dorn, Lawrence F Katz, Christina Patterson and John Van Reenen, The Quarterly Journal of Economics, May 2020.
Revising U.S. Grand Strategy Toward China by Robert D. Blackwill and Ashley J. Tellis
LSE Phelan United States Centre: https://www.lse.ac.uk/United-States
Listen to The Ballpark podcast: https://www.lse.ac.uk/united-states/the-ballpark/Podcasts; LSE Player, Spotify; Soundcloud
Related interviews on The Ballpark with guests on this episode
Dr Ashley Tellis - The Future of US-China Competition
Dr Elizabeth Ingleson - Made in China: When US-China Interests Converged to Transform Global Trade
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode