Intelligence Squared - The era of American dominance is over

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The era of American dominance is over

12 Feb 2009

The panel discuss the theory that the era of America's role as the 'world's policeman" is coming to an end.

Arguing in favour of the motion are Oliver Kamm, Pankaj Mishra and Professor John Gray. Oliver Kamm begins by arguing that the financial crisis has affected America’s desire and ability to play their traditional role as head of the international order. He believes that there will soon come a point where Asia will no longer invest in low yielding dollar assets, and the dollar itself will be rivaled by the Euro. He states that the factual reality of the motion far outweighs its desirability.
Pankaj Mishra argue that America was never really dominant in Asia and India, as dominance requires consent – which was never present. He believes that the Chinese economy will rebound much sooner than America’s, specifically because it is less capitalistic. Finally, Professor John Gray argues that America will remain the most dominant power, but less dominant than it has been in the past. The decline will be both bad and good, he claims, as we move into a world without a dominant power. The likely outcome of this is a far more dangerous world.

Arguing against the motion are Sir Christopher Meyer, Sir Lawrence Freedman and Felipe Fernandez-Armesto. Sir Christopher begins by arguing that the world economy cannot improve until the American economy does, as no other nation has the consumers and resources to protect the global economy. He argues that other global economies are intrinsically linked to America’s, and that their economies are currently faltering. Sir Lawrence continues by stating that American dominance never began, so it cannot be over, as an external force has always contained US power. He believes that no one else is going to take over the role of defining the world order, as there is no potential challenging ideology. Finally, Felipe Fernandez-Armesto states that we should not judge America by the iniquities of its government, but by its people. American dominance is actually intellectual, due to their investment in learning, research and culture. Therefore, he states that American dominance is increasing.

First Vote: 223 For, 334 Against, 162 Undecided

Final Vote: 103 For, 527 Against, 89 Undecided

The motion is defeated.

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Evan Davis

Television and radio presenter, author
Oliver Kamm

Author, columnist and banker
Sir Christopher Meyer

Former British Ambassador to the United States, and broadcaster
Pankaj Mishra

Essayist and novelist
John Gray

Emeritus Professor at the London School of Economics
Felipe Fernández-Armesto

William P Reynolds Professor of History, the University of Notre Dame

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The era of American dominance is over

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