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Edited by Mrph1 on Nov 30th 2023 at 11:03:59 AM
According to whom? Us? Yeah, that's kind of tautological. I mean, I happen to agree, but on what factual basis does one make that assertion?
"It's Occam's Shuriken! If the answer is elusive, never rule out ninjas!"I was implying that if someone is going to be top dog, you want to be top dog. Currently US, Russia, and China are the three who can be superpowers. I think that India is rising and could be a contender soonish. I'm an American, so I think we are the best. I think someone from Russia or China would think their nation would be the best.
edited 27th Aug '13 2:25:45 PM by soban
Russia is the very definition of a paper tiger. I am tempted to apply the "Sick man of Europe" quote for irony's sake. What power she still has is largely legacy form the days of the Soviet Union. She is doing better than she was, but I wouldn't place her near the very bottom of the potential superpowers list.
Same for India. It has the size and will have the economy but its interior is so underdeveloped I would say is soonish overgenerous.
China is of course a very real plausibility but then, we said the same thing about the Japanese during the 90's. I would also add a EU with a centralized foreign policy.
Truth is, I think the Chinese boogeyman has been a bit overplayed. They are wonderfully business like in their foreign policy. Which is why I don't see them being particularly threatening. It's the ideological ones you have to watch out for.
And since I know someone will say it, probably before I finish typing this, let us not forget. The United States has used her position in the world to kill, other throw governments, institute dictatorships, etc. As has every great power. So before we start throwing that stone, let us remember our house is indeed glass.
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See? I knew it.
edited 27th Aug '13 2:34:53 PM by IConfuseMe
I find the ability to murder other people's citizens the far more terrifying prospect when dealing with geopolitics and international relations.
And to be perfectly honest with you I am not very nationalistic. So why I understand that for some people the fact that it wasn't her "own" citizens makes it less of an issue, it just doesn't hold a lot of weight for me.
Probably — still doesn't mean it's all rose petals out in Africa, though. Then again, the Chinese plan in the long-term. The very long term. Remember how long China has existed as a single country.
Keep Rolling OnThe key is that Russia is still tops in her ability to Project Force. China's hard power does not extend beyond arm's reach, while Russia still has fleets and such to at least put them on level with the superpower also-rans of Europe (like France and the UK, who are also good with projection even if they're on shakier ground in terms of having the will and strength to field and run a large land war, where China excels).
The only people who have to be scared of China are her neighbors and anyone who would have the idea to invade China proper. Everyone else is comfortably out of her range.
Does Russia punch above its weight? Hell yeah, but a paper tiger she is not. Really, the fact that she could be called such is just an expression of how impassably dominant the US has become.
I could be wrong but I was under the impression that much of Russia's military equipment was in severe need of maintenance. Until around, maybe 2010, the fleet and air force were drastically underfunded, with many vessels and vehicles not being up to par. It is only recently flush form energy money that Russia began getting the fleet back into acceptable condition.
As for China, I agree. She doesn't have power projection. But she wants it and is very much investing in gathering it. I'd say China's real handicap is that she has no staunch allies. Her neighbor's (even Russia) range between terrified of her to wary of her. That might change in the future mind you with her many investment projects abroad.
@Meklar, Actually, in a reiterated prisoner's dilemma, the optimal option is tit for tat with forgiveness rather than defect.
In detail, you start with cooperation. If they defect, you also defect until they cooperate, then you start cooperating again. Optimal play is both sides never defecting.
edited 27th Aug '13 3:16:27 PM by soban
I like America but I hold no illusions that we're the best in the world. As someone in the middle class I live a fairly comfortable life but there are tons of people suffering that should not be. I'd say we fall somewhere in the high teens or twenties if we're ranking what country is best to live in overall.
If Immigration is your country's main cause of concern, you're doing pretty well.
But our ego is number one. Some humility would be nice for this country. I don't know why we act like we're the best at everything and everyone is just jealous.
I mean people still say "The terrorist hate us because they're jealous of our freedom"
I mean...really?
edited 27th Aug '13 3:44:37 PM by Thorn14
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Low Middle is something of an exaggeration.
We are at least High Middle.
Texas Governor Rick Perry spends thousands on ads to poach Missouri businesses
edited 27th Aug '13 3:52:10 PM by DeviantBraeburn
Everything is Possible. But some things are more Probable than others. JEBAGEDDON 2016The report investigated the quality and availability of roads, railroads, ports, air transport, electricity, and telephones.
In terms of overall infrastructure, the U.S. ranks 25th, behind nations such as Oman and Barbados, and only one spot ahead of Qatar.
United States Ranked 38 Overall
Number 1 in Expenditures
The Brookings Institution said in 2013 that income inequality was increasing and becoming permanent, sharply reducing social mobility.[9]
You're the best... arooound... nothin's gonna ever keep ya dooooooooooooooowwwwnnnnn....
Here's a simple moral: There is a difference between being the 'biggest' at something and being the 'best' at it.
edited 27th Aug '13 3:48:53 PM by Karkadinn
Furthermore, I think Guantanamo must be destroyed.

Better us than China or Russia.
The most edgy person on the Internet.