The Paradoxical Power?

An immense and growing national debt, entrenched political
polarization, and falling levels of patriotism might lead some to
conclude that the position of the United States in the world is
weakening compared to other major economies. Michael Beckley
looks at other measures, including geography, wealth, alliances,
and demographics, and concludes that “This is the paradox of
American power: the United States is a divided country,
perpetually perceived as in decline, yet it consistently remains
the wealthiest and most powerful state in the world—leaving
competitors behind.” But, he says, all is not well: an
urban-rural divide and a “hollow internationalism” threaten our
stability and security. Chris, Zack, and Melanie talk about
whether the United States is in decline, how our advantages might
create vulnerabilities, and how dysfunction at home affects
America’s ability to wield influence abroad.


Chris has a shoutout for Gabe Murphy and his work on base
realignment, Zack has a remembrance of recently-passed security
scholar, practitioner, and mentor Joseph Nye, and Melanie
criticizes the Biden administration for not coming clean about
the extent of failure of the Gaza Pier.


Links: 




Michael Beckley, “The Strange Triumph of a Broken America:
Why Power Abroad Comes with Dysfunction at Home,” Foreign
Affairs, January/February 2025.




Michael Beckley, “The Age of American Unilateralism,” Foreign
Affairs, April 16, 2025.




Christopher Preble, “Trump’s Rise: Who’s to Blame?” Cato at
Liberty, March 3, 2016.




Alexander Cornwell, "US, Israel discuss possible US-led
administration for Gaza, sources say," Reuters, May 7, 2025.




Supporting Stimson, https://www.stimson.org/support/




Gabe Murphy, “Base Instincts: A Case for Base Realignment and
Closures at Home and Abroad,” Taxpayers for Common Sense, May
2025.




John Hendel, “The $42 Billion Biden Internet Program
Frustrating Dems in Swing States,” Politico, September 4,
2024.




Alex Horton, “Biden’s Gaza Pier Was More Dangerous and Costly
than Previously Known,” Washington Post, May 7, 2025.




John Arnold, Immigration chart, X, May 11, 2025.