Is Decline Inevitable? Post Last Debate.

During the discussion we touched on the idea that all great powers rise and fall.  Decline is inevitable. Looking at the historical record there is no argument.  All historical empires, so far have disappeared or so diminished that they are no longer powerful.  The US is the obvious exception, but its "decline" is already assumed to have begun.  A quick search at Amazon finds dozens of examples.

I have not read any of these titles, but my assumption is that each will detail the wrong decisions of our leaders and the structural problems of our government or economic system.  But I am also assuming that these books are not just a description of the inevitable decline but a prescription of what can be done to avoid the decline.  

The study of the past is more than an appreciation of the other, it is also an opportunity to learn from those who are in reality not so different.  Why do care about threats to US power in IR?  The answer might be different for each practitioner or student, but for me it falls back to the Spider-Man doctrine.  "With great power comes great responsibility."  There are numerous examples where the US has squandered its power and avoided exercising responsibility.   It has even acted irresponsibly.  But I also believe that the US is the world's best hope for living up to the ideals of uncle Ben's maxim.  The demise of US power might mean the demise of US ideals that we have discussed throughout the semester.  This is not to say that the US must always be the sole military power.   As we prepared for the final debate it occurred to me that it is hard shelled US autonomy that is being threatened in the modern world.  But if the US can move to a more Liberal worldview or even a soft shelled attuned position, we might see the victory of our ideals without the need for victory on the battlefield.

This class has certainly required me to apply new learning to the big questions of the international system and challenged some of my beliefs.  I actually found myself appreciating the Realist point of view on a few matters.  However, I think that the future will be a better place when there is recognition of the notion that across hard boundaries we all want basically the same things.  As Greg and Scott noted in previous  posts, the first step might be agreeing on definitions.  What is the cap for class enrollment?