November 12, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

Old World, Third World, Brave New World

The Post-American World, by Fareed Zakaria (W.W. Norton, $25.95)

The transformative growth of China, India and other quickly-developing nations is changing the established global power structure, says Newsweek’s Fareed Zakaria. “This is not a book about the decline of America, but rather about the rise of everyone else.†Their rise may signal the end of our nation’s role as top dog, but in a globally capitalist environment, the U.S. may still be able to maintain influence, manage threats and control battles over resources. America’s new role, Zakaria says, will be as “default power,†with “considerable ability to set the agenda.†For the moment at least, there doesn’t appear to be anyone else in a position to tend to global business.

Still and yet, Zakaria describes a world in which the United States will cease to dominate international politics, global economies and foreign cultures; in which the tallest buildings, biggest movies and largest malls are beyond our borders. Thus, even taking into account America’s still-vibrant strengths, says Zakaria, we could very well squander our competitive advantages – in large part, by restricting trade and immigration. The U.S. will suffer when other countries begin welcoming the new breed of huddled masses – the motivated and hardworking talent pool that will reshape the next century.

Ironically, it is precisely the areas in which the U.S. has pioneered and excelled – free trade, immigration, technological innovation and the furtherance of democracy – that are the foundation of this worldwide transformation. And paradoxically, trade and open immigration are no longer seen as favorable here at home. In a 2007 Pew survey of citizens in 47 countries, the U.S. placed at the bottom regarding positive attitudes toward free trade. As Zakaria observes, we’ve been promoting competitive markets, immigration and innovation for most of our history. Now that the rest of the world has caught on, “we are becoming suspicious of the very things we have long celebrated.â€

in News
Related Posts

Metro’s New Bus Lane Camera Enforcement Aims to Speed Up Commutes for LA Riders

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Pilot Program Begins With 60-Day Warning Period to Clear Bus Lanes The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), in...

Legendary Actor Tony Todd, Known for Iconic Horror Roles, Dies at the Age of 69

November 12, 2024

November 12, 2024

Star of Candyman and Final Destination Remembered by Fans and Peers Iconic actor and Marina del Rey resident Tony Todd...

LAUSD Teacher Charged with Sexual Assault on a Minor, Police Believe There May Be Other Victims

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced on November 8 that a middle school teacher, Colleen Jo Matarico, is...

Suspect Arrested, Another at Large After Culver City Vehicle Burglary

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Police Ask Public for Assistance to Aid the Investigation Early morning on November 7, Culver City Police responded to reports...

Beverly Hills High Limits Student Gatherings After Pro-Trump Rally Disrupts Campus

November 11, 2024

November 11, 2024

Principal Cites Safety Concerns Following Post-Election Demonstration Beverly Hills High School has put limits on student gatherings after a pro-Trump...

LAX Runway Closures in November May Lead to Increased Aircraft Noise for Nearby Residents

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Temporary Runway Shutdowns for Maintenance and Upgrades May Alter Flight Paths Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has announced temporary runway...

Racist Text Messages Target Students in Santa Monica, West LA, Raising Alarm Among Schools, Families

November 10, 2024

November 10, 2024

Outrage Spreads as Disturbing, Racially Charged Messages Reach Students and Others By Dolores Quintana Schools on the Westside of Los...

8 Things to Do in Big Bear Lake: A Local’s Guide to Adventure and Relaxation

November 8, 2024

November 8, 2024

Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake is a true gem for nature lovers, families, and adventurers alike....

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Coming to Culver City on Nov. 12

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Get Free Vaccine Shots for All Ages—No Appointment Needed Culver City, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of...

Starbucks Kicks Off the Holidays with Festive Cups, New Drinks, and a Special Surprise

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Returning Classics, Cran-Merry Refreshers, and Expanded Pastry Selections on Thursday Starbucks is ringing in the holiday season with the return...

Lei’d Cookies in Culver City Offers Sweet In-Store Discount For a Challenging Week

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Handcrafted Flavors, Community Spirit: Enjoy Lei’d Cookies’ Limited-Time Offer Lei’d Cookies, a popular dessert spot in Culver City’s Hayden Tract...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...