The Post-American World Essay

The Post-American World
Author: Fareed Zakaria
ISBN: 978-0-393-06235-9
By: Patrick Johansing


Overview

The Chinese government replaced communism with pragmatism in 1979. China now leads the world in economic growth. Fareed Zakaria’s The Post American World is about the reemergence of a multi-polar world. He emphasizes the “rise of the rest” as opposed to American decline. The rest of the world is modernizing.

Zakaria proclaims that economy has triumphed over politics. Countries all over the world are westernizing. Ironically, this is leading to more nationalism and less focus on America. In light of this new world, Zakaria identifies a new task for America: “to construct a new approach for a new era, one that responds to a global system in which power is far more diffuse than ever before and in which everyone feels empowered” (p. 231). He means that America should create a framework for the world, a set of rules that will promote global prosperity.


The Relevance of The Post-American World

The rest of the world is modernizing and Americans are afraid. We are afraid of losing our economic and military supremacy. We are afraid of being poor and vulnerable, we are afraid of terrorists, we are afraid of China. Many of these fears are irrational. For Instance, we have a greater chance of being struck by lightning than being killed by terrorists, and China has only eight nuclear weapons and is fostering friendly relationships around the world. Zakaria separates truth from sensationalism.

The modern economy is strong, so strong that it trumps modern politics. Our old reactions will no longer have the effect they once did. This new shift in power changes who holds it. The most influential countries don’t have to be the ones with the largest army or the most land. The most influential countries will be the countries with the biggest economies. China and India have the fastest growing economies in the world. We can strengthen our own economy with a better understanding of theirs.

The recent shift in power requires a new set of tools and a new set of rules. America can establish the rules of fair play. We can create a framework to promote a peaceful and prosperous multi-polar world. We can avoid the circumstances that lead to the World Wars and the Cold War. If we regain our credibility, the rest of the world will follow these rules. America doesn’t act with international cooperation, and our unilateral approach abroad has lessened our credibility. Nations fear the United States, and Americans needs to change.


Where Zakaria Excels

Zakaria separates sensationalism from truth. He pinpoints the irony of our situation—the most powerful country in history is petrified by fear. The Post-American World focuses on American strengths as the media does not. Americans are inundated with news of our vulnerability. Zakaria begins the book by noting the exaggeration of the world’s political instability. He then illustrates the size of the gap, economically and militarily, between America and everyone else. And he brings in telling examples to make his points. For example, America spends more on its military than the next fourteen countries combined. Israel’s economy grew during the course of its most recent war with Syria.

Zakaria presents the rise of the rest with optimism. Americans are scared of losing complete control. Our fear shapes our perceptions. Under the influence of fear, we see a developing country as a military threat. Zakaria writes this book from a different perspective. He convinces the reader that the world is not interested in destroying America. The world is interested in strengthening itself. Developing countries focus on development, not on America. Developing countries will strengthen the global economy, and that’s good for everyone.

Zakaria traces the fall of American popularity. He takes us from its height under George H. W. Bush, through Clinton, to its pathetic current state under George W. Bush. He claims that American unilateralism abroad is the root of our decline, and he suggests that we strike at the root immediately.


Where Zakaria Falls Short

Zakaria’s chapter on American Power was scattered and unconvincing. He begins by acknowledging that we are the most powerful country in the world, both economically and militarily. He writes that we will lose our total dominance, but we will remain one of the top contenders. The only convincing argument that he makes for why we will be one of the top contenders is that we have a fantastic higher education system. This explanation falls short. He fails to link higher education to economic success. That link is crucial to his argument.

Zakaria didn’t explain the implications of his plan for America in enough detail. He proposed that the United States should focus on creating an international framework for the future, and he alluded to this framework making the world more peaceful and efficient. This allusion lacks many supporting details in the text. Perhaps Zakaria assumes that we can all agree that there is an inarguable set of rules that will better the planet.

Zakaria only briefly examined the variables that will impact the future of China and India. He mentioned the perils facing their governments from increasing regionalism, and he noted generational differences in work ethic. But he projected their sensational growth from the past few years in his estimations. He assumes that China’s economy will continue to grow at the fastest rate in recorded history. Wars, revolutions, worldwide depressions and natural disasters can all devastate economic growth. Zakaria should include the likelihood of a slowdown in his prediction.


My Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

The Post-American World exudes Zakaria’s optimism. He presents “the rise of the rest” as an event to rejoice. He fixates on global economic growth and deemphasizes America’s diminishing dominance. Zakaria recognizes our fears and explains them away—we are not in danger, we are ill informed.

Zakaria concludes The Post-American World with a word of advice (actually a chapter of advice). America should become the world’s role model by following that will better the globe. America should pave the way for a more integrated and peaceful planet by becoming the most amenable and approachable country. And, most importantly, America should listen. We should employ ambassadors who are truly interested in other worldviews.

The Post American World was well written and easily understood. It was informative and hopeful. I recommend this book to all those seeking to broaden their perspectives or to those who are merely interested in learning more about our competition. This book left me with a new impression, and I believe that’s enough reason to read a book.