The World America Made (2012) by Robert Kagan is an analysis of the current state of American affairs and the likelihood of domestic decline if the United States was to consider dissolving its involvement in international relations. Reflecting upon historical events and current global trends, Kagan asks readers to imagine the consequences if America were to retract engagement in world affairs in order to focus solely on domestic concerns. The World America Made provides Americans with validation of the country’s essential, and sometimes, forceful participation on foreign soil; as it is not solely to promote domestic interests, but to protect societies that would otherwise be dominated by neighboring realms. By combining fact with strategy, Kagan allows readers to imagine the significance of American withdrawal from the world it helped to create.
Kagan admits that modern world order was not established by only American influence; it is too big and diverse for any one nation to wield predominant world mandate. He argues that America retains an unique blend of characteristics that no other country enjoys. First and foremost, America’s geographical circumstances create distance among dominant world superpowers. This distance is important in regulating the potential for territorial threat from opposing world powers. Next, America’s blend of capitalism and democracy attend to American global interests. Finally, and perhaps the least appreciated, is America’s formidable military force. It is this blend of characteristics that together “have shaped a particular kind of international order that would have looked very different had another nation with different characteristics wielded a similar amount of influence” (p. 13).
Therefore, if America were to disappear from the world stage, what would happen next? Kagan argues that no single power would be able or willing to replace America as supreme world power; however, the most likely candidate in modern times would be the People’s Republic of China. This would bring about a string of uncertainties for nations neighboring China as two choices would exist: either other nations would have to bend toward their will or China would have to force their hand through a costly and deadly war. Unfortunately, the latter would be the most realistic option as it is likely that Russia would not yield power so easily. Both countries are ruled by autocracies that show no interest in relinquishing power. The world’s next hope would lie with the European Union, however past events have established that the E.U. shows no interest in pursuing forceful leadership, as the genocide in Kosovo proved in the 1990s. American’s involvement, although late, aided in an eventual resolution. Finally, the world cannot ignore the volatile Middle East and its vast natural resources. American involvement closes the door to other nations dominating the region in the interest of controlling the world’s immense oil reserves within that region. The only viable option for the United States is to remain a visible military presence around the world. It is not only an economic necessity, but a humanitarian one.
Despite the dominant public perception that America is in corrosive decline, Kagan argues to the contrary. Although, there are other countries that could perhaps share the formidable power America retains, no other nation possess the resources or harbors the commitment to replace America as the world’s only relevant superpower. America still enjoys the largest economy in the world relative to other world powers, a substantial degree of military power without the presence of adversaries, and formable influence in international relations. Kagan argues that American never could “shape the whole world to suit its interests”, but could serve as mediator and as such accomplished extraordinary things. America has always served as a dominant influence; however it is our perceptions that have changed.
Written for anyone who retains an interest in America’s position in relation to globalization, foreign relations, and domestic policy; its purpose is to inform and inspire readers to imagine the possibilities and the consequences if America were to loosen its grip as a dominating force in global events. For the doubter s of America’s essential dominance in the world, the present book serves as a testimony; for the believers, it serves as substantiation. The World America Made is a model for optimism in an increasingly cynical American culture. Perhaps, its one flaw is Kagan’s lack of support for the pervasiveness and importance of cognitive influences that affect current perceptions of American decline. While the facts appear solid, American’s are paralyzed by perceptions dominated by public opinion and media influence. However, this remains the only weakness in pages of strengths. The World America Made is entertaining, informative, and surprising. By all accounts, this book serves as strong indicator of the survival of American culture and international influence.
References
Kagan, R. (2012). The world america made. Alfred A. Knopf: New York.
Steyn, M. (2011). After america: Get ready for Armageddon. Regnery Publishing, Inc.: Washington.
