Summary Of The Post American World By Fareed Zakaria

In The Post-American World, Fareed Zakaria addresses a new era in the international system where power is being diffused from the central superpower, the United States, to rising developing nations. This is caused by what Zakaria calls “rise of the rest”, which includes new actors whom have made influential impact on the international system like China and India. The American society’s anxiety of the U.S. decline as the single-superpower has been growing with economic issues and the rise of anti-American sentiment overseas. Although the “distribution of power is moving away from American dominance”, Zakaria argues to reassure that the U.S. will not be replaced in the foreseeable future (Zakaria 5). The U.S.’s dominance in military capability,
Zakaria suggests America reevaluates its role in the international system to be able to produce foreign policies that will enable US to adapt to the new era. The task for today is to construct a new approach for a new era, one that responds to a global system in which power is far more diffuse than ever before and in which everyone feels empowered (Zakaria 231). Zakaria suggests that there is a need for change in America’s foreign policy, but the foundation is sound. America should not be concerned about being overthrown since many developing powers are joining, and not fighting America. Developing nations like China and India, “want to gain power and status and respect, for sure, but by growing within the international system, not by overturning it” (Zakaria 232). Thus, America should not response to the emerging countries with force or in a negative manner. Encouraging diplomatic relations and opening new economic trade relations with all of the emerging powers will foster a prosperous global environment and consolidate the American ideals in global
Zakaria avoids any confusion regarding his position on the manner by stating his argument on the first page. Before elaborating on his claim that the U.S. is not declining, but rather other powers are emerging, he refers to many historical events to provide readers with a background on how the international system was formed and how it has changed. These details provide a clear foundation for Zakaria to build his argument. He also provides plethora of examples that demonstrates how the U.S.’s dominance is unmatched. The American military dominates every level domain, whether it be land, sea, air, or space; and to also note that the U.S. has the capabilities to account for approximately half of the world’s defense spending (Zakaria 181). According to the World Economic Forum, the U.S.’s economy is currently ranked the most competitive in world. Although the U.S. position might be replaced by small European countries like Sweden from year to year, the American still has a strong presence in the global economy. Future industries, like nanotechnology and biotechnology, are fields which the U.S. dominates and will continue to do so. With the wide spread adoption of the free market system, the U.S. should not be intimidated by its competitors. The U.S. must retain confidences in itself as “higher education is America’s best industry” (Zakaria 190). American universities aim to develop critical thinking skills