U.S. Hegemony in a Globalized World
Abstract
The flattening of the world as a result of globalization brought a tidal wave of economic prosperity, the dawn of the information age, and unprecedented levels of interdependence. The United States reaped massive benefits resulting from globalization, solidifying its position as an unmatched military and economic power. U.S. hegemony has also turned out to be a great burden. The United States is as much a target as a political and economic paragon. The realist application of power to achieve national objectives has not proven effective. Likewise, liberal and idealist goals of spreading democracy, based only on its innate appeal, to achieve objectives seems like a misguided pursuit of Shangri-la since self-determination and nationalist urges often do not identify with western liberalism. Napoleonic application of the military instrument to impose ones will on another is no longer viable. Economic concerns and the control over information are increasingly important elements of statecraft which must be mastered to realize national goals. It appears grand strategy and strategy are collapsing. Given the inadequacies of any singular approach, how should the United States wield the instruments of national power, i.e., diplomatic, information, military, and economic, to achieve national objectives?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA497531
Entities
People
- Jennifer Hultgren
- Jerome J. Comello
Organizations
- United States Army War College