Empire - The decline of the American empire

[Lars77]

Last edited Fri Dec 30, 2011, 10:31 AM - Edit history (1)

As the world is undergoing a profound transformation, what role will the US play in a post-American century?

The US has the world's biggest economy, the most influential culture, and the most potent military machine, with a budget that equals that of all other nations combined. It is the only power with a global project defended and supported by more aircraft carriers, Fortune 500 companies, and more successful media-tainment conglomerates than any other.

But the last decade has been problematic for the world's only superpower.

America's post-Cold War optimism has given way to pessimism, forecasting a declining power and more crucially, the end of "the American era".

The rise of new regional and global powers, coupled with Washington's recent war fiascos and financial crisis have worsened the outlook for the future of the US.

Countless books have been written prophesying the end with titles like: Suicide of a Superpower; The Empire Has No Clothes; Taming American Power; Nemesis: the Last Days of the American Republic; Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire; and Selling out A Superpower.

So, is all this talk of the US decline premature? And if not, what role will the US play in a post-US century?

GUESTS ON THIS MONTH'S SHOW
Tom Engelhardt, editor, Tomdispatch
Susan Glasser, editor-in-chief, Foreign Policy
Professor Stephen M. Walt, International Affairs, Harvard University
Professor Cynthia Enloe, author, The Real State Of America

INTERVIEWEES:
Professor Nicholas Burns, former US under-secretary of state
Professor Andrew Bacevich, International Relations, Boston University
Professor Scott Lucas, American Studies, Birmingham University
Martin Wolf, chief economist, Financial Times; Professor Linda Yueh, economist, Oxford University
Kate Bulkley, technology and media analyst

[Ichingcarpenter]

1. Can you update on who's on the panel and a small synopsis?

It might help you get visibility