We must realize that power isn’t shifting; it is disappearing altogether.
Whether you like it or not, other countries in the world have direct and indirect impact on the US. Some have more impact than others but arguably none have more than China.
China, for instance, is a powerhouse. It is dominating the global economy and proving that it can run a successful economy. Interestingly, the public opinion of China has shifted as well.
According to a Gallup poll taken in 2011, 52 percent of Americans view China as the leading world economy (with 32 percent choosing America for comparison). This is huge not only for how we conduct business today but more importantly for the landscape of tomorrow.
Economics aside, this is a big blow to America’s image. For as long as I can remember, America has always been the greatest at virtually everything — or at least that’s what I have been taught.
Recently though, I feel that belief is changing or that maybe I had been disillusioned the entire time. The strangest part is that I’m not sure if I’m upset by it. While a strong sense of nationalism is healthy for any country, I no longer feel I have to be so attached to America simply because it has ‘always been the best.’
America has been successful and I am sure it will continue to be so, but you have to understand that every other country in the world is slowly getting to the level America is at today if not surpassing it. Not even taking China into consideration, countries such as South Korea, Thailand and India all have immense emerging economies that will allow them to be very important players in the future of world economics.
So it is crucial that we change the way we think about other countries. This isn’t the colonial times and we’re not out to conquer other nations like Alexander the Great. Instead, we live in a world where integration, globalization and unity will be much more important than simply who carries a bigger stick.
We must realize that power isn’t shifting; it is disappearing altogether.
Many countries are emerging onto the global playing field for the first time, all wanting a seat at the table. Eventually, we will have a world where almost every country has a fully developed economy capable of immense trade.
Instead of viewing them as ‘third-world’ or emerging, appreciate them and understand how all countries can be mutually beneficial in time. Instead of the American Dream, there can one day be the Global Dream.
Until that day comes, we must expand out horizons. Those who keep a close-minded view of the world will miss out on countless opportunities to grow not only their minds but their business opportunities as well.
Given time, all countries will without a doubt have a large influence on America, instead of the other way around. Only one question remains: Are you ready for a fully globalized world?
