Being Number One Nation: Primacy and Detente
Abstract
Since World War II, the United States has been repeatedly identified as the Number One nation in the world. As the world changes, a variety of interpretations of American primacy are being advanced by both foreign and domestic observers. Interest in the identity of Number One status in most collectivities of humans is perfectly normal. Most students are interested in knowing who stands at the top of the class. In all societies, various forms of competition produce winners and losers in politics, sports, lotteries, jobs, courts, scholarships, and aesthetics. The United States, however, is frequently said to be obsessed with aggressiveness in relishing, exploiting, and extending ascendancy over other nations in various ways, thereby corrupting American life and American relationships with other nations and peoples. Are these allegations true? Two percent true? What is the prevailing characteristic identifying America's approach to relationships with other nations -- equality, leadership, authority, dominance, competition, hegemony, imperialism, or other? How do foreigners perceive the international role and performance of the United States? How do Americans perceive U.S. status? Does detente strengthen or weaken American primacy? What other trends are occurring that are likely to affect these dynamics significantly? This article explores the changing context and dynamics involved in being the world's Number One nation, and emerging implications for America's future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA510952
Entities
People
- Anthony L. Wermuth
Organizations
- United States Army War College