Her Last Stand

            America the great has stood as a hegemonic power since the 1890’s (Flint & Taylor, 2007: p. 55). Large portions of this semester we have discussed how long we envision America remaining in the seat of hegemony. The world has become more connected thanks to the digital age. The world has begun to see America for who she truly is. The world has begun to contest much of what we stand for. In a brilliant article, Socialization and Hegemonic Power (Ikenberry & Kupchan, 1990), the authors state how imperative it is for the elite (as opposed to the masses) to emulate the hegemonic culture that has been articulated. Socialization of the hegemon simply cannot take place without this emulation by the elite. This is America’s greatest threat.

            Already the world is juxta-positioned on the precipice of a catalyst. We are hovering between the way the world once worked and the new global digital society being forged daily. The new hegemon may be a corporation or perhaps this newly forged world will need not hegemonic power at all. Of course there are still international theorists who use American exceptionalism to argue that she will not fall to the same fate as past hegemons (Layne, 2006). Only time may tell what shall truly come to pass.

            What is obvious at this moment is that America is no longer this great mystery miracle melting pot to most of the globe. Most of the globe now has access to the same internet we do and those who do not most likely soon will. Our façade of “justice and liberty for all” is now recognized as a mask and much of what we do is being questioned by countries which are beginning to think for themselves. What will America mean to the world of tomorrow? How long can America stand strong in the face of truth? How long can America convince the world she always cared? How long can America make this new digital world believe her way is the best?    

            The greatest opportunity lying dormant for America would be to roll with the changing times. If America were to become more global; if America were to become involved in other cultures around the globe; if America were to be as passionate about learning as she was about funding wars; if America was willing to evolve, America may show the world why she became a leader in the first place. This generation of up and coming American leaders are studying hard, they are getting involved in global politics, they are travelling the world and reading incredible books, and they are ready for the world of tomorrow. America’s greatest opportunity can be realized through her youth.

            The only way we can make a sound tomorrow for this undulating world, is to recognize how we impact one another not merely economically but culturally, intellectually and spiritually. This generation of graduates is looking at things without the rose colored glasses of American exceptionalism. This generation of graduates is willing to debate for what they believe in. This generation of graduates is well versed on the wars and politics that drive them around the world. What the United Nations began, a true global council could finish. The best thing America could do to solidify her status in the upcoming global shift would be to lead the way into the dawning of a new age. Of course, it is most certain there will always be wars, and there will probably also always be greed and manipulation; however, the countries of the world stand to learn much from one another and America should lead the way. The articulation of the American culture did not honor the original statements made in the declaration of Independence. This is the day and the time for America the Great to redeem herself. Should she choose to refuse this great opportunity, she will instead witness her Last Stand.

References:

Flint, C., & Taylor, P. J. (2007). Political geography: world-economy, nation-state, and locality. Pearson Education.

Ikenberry, G. J., & Kupchan, C. A. (1990). Socialization and hegemonic power. International organization, 44(03), 283-315.

Layne, C. (2006). The unipolar illusion revisited: The coming end of the United States' unipolar moment. International security, 31(2), 7-41.