THE GENUINE SOURCE OF THE IMMENSE POWER OF THE US

Since its existence as an independent state in 1776, as the United State of America, it has been difficult to ignore its role and power in global arena .since 1888, only a century after its existence the United States of America has been the largest economy in the world and probably it is for the first time in the history of mankind that a country has been the greatest economical power for more than half of its lifetime, 122 years out of 234 years. It also plays a pivotal role in the global economy. In terms of military, culture, education, politics. The U.S is a major and key player in the world. The main question which arises in the minds of many scholars and people, as well, is what the source of this power for the young nation, in comparison with Italy, Egypt, France, England …, is. In addition it should be mentioned that the U.S is the mosaic of different cultures, race, and people. And this could be considered potentially and normally as a source of threat and danger to the unity of the Young Nation. While the diversity of the population in the U.S has been the source of innovation and advancement it has been the cause and source of friction, as well. But the establishment and society of the US could have decreased and lessened the clashes and quarrel throughout its history.

To find out what the main source of US power is, the American system of beliefs should be put into consideration. The main features of American system of beliefs or simply put “ American Ideology” are : liberty , equality, the rule of law , tolerance toward “ the others “ , democracy , accountability .Due to the expansion of US power and influence and the attractiveness of its ideology this is known worldwide as “AMERICANISM” which itself is being considered as a brand .

Reviewing and taking a look into the public opinion polls helps us to crystallize some aspects of American Ideology such as liberty and tolerance. Based on the public opinion on civil liberties since 1940 – 1998 the general and overall trend toward tolerance and liberty has been an increasing trend there are also slight decreases on the issue, though. When people were asked questions like this “There are always some people whose ideas are considered bad or dangerous by other people. For instance, somebody who admits he is a communist. If such a person wanted to make and give a speech in your city/town, should he be allowed to speak or not? “Polls show an upward trend in allowing an admitted communist to speak up. The rate is nearly 27% in 1954 while it stands in 64% in 1996. (1) At the same time the percentage of people who agree on allowing an admitted communist to teach in college increases dramatically from only 6% in 1954 to 57% in 1996. (2)
This capability of the society and system in reviewing and reproducing the values is believed to be the main source of immense power of the US. Through this process they could have turned their potential enemies and adversaries to reliable and true companions and allies outside and inside, as well. Those who even were not able to be served in the White restaurants now their sons and descendants could climb into the power peacefully and democratically. Accordingly the US has the least number of opponents or “others” inside and outside, as well. This could be the answer but there are or may be more than one answer.


(1) Harold Stanley and Richard G. Niemi, Vital Statistics on American Politics 1999-2000
(Washington, DC Congressional Quarterly Press,2000) table 3.14,pp150-1
(2) same source