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There's no way that that our military power will not erode if a robust American economic revival is not part of the cards.

For when we talk about the spreading power and influence of globalization, aren't we really referring to the spreading economic and military might of the US?

The strength of our economy allows us to maintain the mightiest military in the world, effectively enforcing a Pax Americana.

The U.S. might enjoy overwhelming military advantage, but its relative economic power, which in the long run is almost invariably decisive, is in decline. The interregnum after the Cold War, far from being the prelude to a new American age, was bearing the signs of what is now very visible: the emergence of a multipolar world.

Influence is best measured not only by military hardware and GDP, but also by other people's perceptions that we, the United States, are using our power legitimately. That belief - that we are acting in the interests of the global commons and in accordance with the rule of law - is what the military would call a 'force multiplier.'

But the - look, I think that this - the United States of America is still the most powerful economy in the world. It is an incredible engine for creativity and innovation. And it has the most - smartest, most effective workforce in the world. So we have a lot going for us, in spite of the fractiousness of our politics.

If you look at history, there seems to be a regular pattern: the country with the most powerful military also happens to be the one with the world trade currency. That gives them an enormous economic advantage, which causes goods to flow into their country.

The United States is a superpower whose influence reaches across oceans and beyond borders.

No doubt that the U.S. is a super-power capable of conquering a relatively small country, but is it able to control it?

The U.S. is just in a class by itself in military expenses. It basically matches the rest of the world, and it's far more advanced.