Very interesting, I fear the USA could lose its dominance along with much of our great Sphere of Influence in the coming decades. But, the premise of this OP is wrong because the USA is no Empire. Countries join our Sphere of Influence out of their own willingness, we don’t plunder resources and cheat people. Like Fareed Zakaria said in The Post American World, “the USA has been the creator and sustainer of the current order of open trade and democratic government.”
As long as we don’t take on a protectionist and/or isolationist mentality, the USA will be able to adapt in the 21st century and we will benefit from the vast markets that will spawn out of these emerging markets and growing middle classes. GM sold more cars in China in the USA in 2009! in 2009, HP computers had over a 10% unit share in China and Dell had an 18% market share as China’s computer market stays on pace to become the largest in the World by 2012. In India, the Financial Times is predicting that nuclear energy output will grow from 1700MW up to 470,000 MW in the next 40 years! Some of these markets are going to be so big, our measly sized middle class (relatively speaking to World GDP) will be able to capitalize on all of the demand. I have all the faith in the World that even though the Indians and the Chinese will be copying much of our stuff, the West will still remain the greatest leader in innovation in most fields.
Also, as renewable technology progresses the USA will be more self sustainable.
Hate to rain on your parade, but just how much profit did GM make that year?
Or did they have to go begging to the guber'mint?
The truth is in the details.
Dig hole in sand — insert head — cover said hole.