This article deserves a read. The author makes a good argument that the US's current affairs are very similar to Great Britain's in the late 1800s, early 1900s, including being a single world superpower, lack of respect by other countries and being involved in a guerilla war in a foreign country. He raises the question of whether the US is on the road to descending as a dominant world power, as GB was after the turn of the 20th century.
Guess ol' W never heard the quote, "Those Who Forget History Are Doomed to Repeat It." (Of course, doubt if ol' W ever even read a history book.) Let's hope that the next President can redirect US policy to regain the right direction. (Though not too hopeful with our crappy, deadlocked Congress, that can't seem to compromise and get anything worthwhile accomplished.)
The Future of American Power
How America Can Survive the Rise of the RestFareed Zakaria
From Foreign Affairs, May/June 2008
Summary: Despite some eerie parallels between the position of the United States today and that of the British Empire a century ago, there are key differences. Britain's decline was driven by bad economics. The United States, in contrast, has the strength and dynamism to continue shaping the world -- but only if it can overcome its political dysfunction and reorient U.S. policy for a world defined by the rise of other powers.
http://www.foreignaffairs.org/20080501facomment87303/fareed-zakaria/the-future-of-american-power.html
