Must reading for anyone who posts on the political boards. Zakaria examines what's in store for the U.S. given the economic booms in China and India and the ever-expanding global economy. It is not a gloom and doom forecast for the U.S. if our society (political and socio-economic) is willing to adjust -- and major adjustments will be needed.

It's interesting that the more I hear about how American primacy (and our efforts to sustain it) is the root of our problems, I keep reading and hearing about how we need to do this or that to remain on top.

Zakaria's a good and thoughtful writer and worth the read, but one thing these types of arguments (The World is Flat and others) often lack is the flip side. They often speak almost exclusively of the challengers' upsides and spend precious little time on the changes they will have to make, as well. Would be interesting to see if he takes that on.

Actually, I think he does a fair job of pointing out the challenges (flaws) in the non-American systems as well. It is definitely not an anti-American study but one, I feel, rooted in reality for all concerned major countries.

is he an economist or just a writer?

I'd say he's a writer but a very good one who is able to dissect things without prejudice.

http://www.fareedzakaria.com/about.html

I agree... but you'd be suprised who wouldn't adjust...

Read it. His reliance on Samuel Huffington's historical perspective was too much to stomach.

He writes what is acceptable and sellable.

The evil Islam soliloquies were annoying as well as the uncivilized east becoming civilized by westernizing.