International Studies: An Introduction

Question 1 

In his book on the World Order, Henry Kissinger argues that the United States non-interference strategy has played a vital role in influencing U.S foreign policy. Besides aiding the U.S in appreciating the need for allowing other nations their issues internally, the policy has indeed made America gain respect from other nations of the world. Kissinger attributes the Policy to former president George W. Bush. 

Question 2 

In his book, Fareed Zakaria’s notes that although the United States has dominated the last many decades, the dominance seems to diminish. Besides political democracy and military advancement, other world countries seem to be overtaking the world’s most powerful nation. Indeed, industrial and financial power appears to be shifting or moving away from the American dominance. Zakaria’s suggests that America should set its priorities right, avoid overstretching its resources and make strategic decisions on where to focus its attention. I concur entirely with this since countries such as Russia and China have been taking advantage of the United States distraction and have instead used the opportunity to rise. Additionally, his idea of enhancing close relationships with other world superpowers has the potential of not only earning the U.S more allies but also helping the country restore its lost financial glory. Lastly, his argument that the U.S should seize from thinking or believing that it has the solutions is well thought. Being more flexible and tolerant towards other nations can make the U.S serve as the diplomatic center and be used for reference by many countries of the world (Zakaria, 2008) . 

Question 3 

The Zakarias suggestion that the U.S is likely to fall just like the United Kingdom is not well thought and has no economic or political basis. This is due to the fact the U.s has all always succeeded not because of the ingenuity its government programs, but the because of the vigor of its citizens. Unlike the Great Britain that fell due to bad economics, economic deterioration does not apply to America. America’s economy is still accountable for nearly 30% of the world’s output. Furthermore, the United States still is the globes biggest economy. 

References 

Zakaria, F. (2008). The Post American World. WW and Norton Company , 184-286.