United States: We were stronger than you think

But statistics tell a different story. According to Haas and Blanchette: the U.S. economy is larger than China’s, and larger than the next three economies combined, and “on track to grow faster than any other G7 economy”; as of last year, nine out of 10 of the world’s largest companies by market capitalization were U.S. companies; China is the world’s largest oil importer while the U.S. is nearly energy independent; and the role of the U.S. dollar worldwide gives the U.S. “unparalleled financial leverage.” Further, according to a Stanford University study, the U.S. leads the world in artificial intelligence, with a substantial lead over China.

Michael Beckley of the conservative American Enterprise Institute echoes their comments, stating that the U.S. is “perpetually perceived as in decline, however, it consistently remains the wealthiest and most powerful state in the world — leaving competitors behind.” He notes that: the U.S. accounts for 26% of Global GDP, about the same as the 1990s’ when the U.S. was clearly the world’s dominant power; in 2008 the eurozone economies were about the same size as the U.S. but now “the U.S. is twice as large.” And just 10 years ago, the U.S. economy was only 10% larger than the combined economies of the Global South, yet, now it is 30% larger. Thirty years ago the Japanese were on average 50% wealthier than Americans but today Americans are 140% wealthier; and after having been the largest energy importer, the U.S. has become the “leading producer of oil and natural gas” while with energy efficiency and renewables “per capita carbon emissions are down to levels not seen since the 1910s”

U.S. strength and influence also relies on our alliances in Europe, Asia-Pacific and with our neighbors. It is said that China has “clients” but the U.S. has “allies.” Kori Schake, also of the American Enterprise Institute says that since World War II “American Power is mostly rooted in cooperation” and emphasizes that “cooperation is a force multiplier.” Schake concludes that no dominant power such as the U.S. “has ever had so much assistance from others” in maintaining that dominance. But, as he says, our partners “no longer trust the U.S.” And why should they?

In his inaugural address, President Trump said he will “expand our territory.” Gee, sounds interesting, where will he get that land? Let’s get it from our allies. Attacking Denmark, he says Greenland will be ours. And he publicly insults the prime minister of our close neighbor and friend, Canada, and proclaims it will be our 51st state. So, you might say, why does anyone take these statements seriously? Sounds good to Russian President Putin, doesn’t it? Might makes right. China’s President Xi also must have welcomed the remarks as well—why shouldn’t China absorb Taiwan?

So, new tariffs on friends and allies? Sure. U.S. tariffs, described as “mood contingent” and based on “economic illiteracy “are now at the highest level since the 1930s. Canada, the largest importer of U.S. goods and the second largest foreign investor into the U.S. is, as others are, looking to more stable economies, and investing to become more self-reliant without depending on an untrustworthy United States. It appears that the Trump administration is on an incoherent path that will diminish U.S. strength.

Jim Hartnett, Navy veteran, attorney, strategic consultant. Graduate of Sophia University International Division (Tokyo) and holder of a Certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.