Analysis Of George Friedman's The Next Decade

George Friedman states in his book The Next Decade that America has inadvertently become an empire due to its influential economy and far reaching military superiority. Whether America likes being an empire or not it will have to figure out how to keep the republic it loves intact. Friedman believes that the key to keeping the American empire strong and our republic alive is a “cunning” and perhaps “ruthless” President (Friedman, 2011, Kindle edition location 709). Friedman then analyzes the regions of the world and explains what he believes will or should occur for America to remain the world power. In the end, Friedman believes that for the next decade America will remain the world leader. Friedman argues that since America is an empire it must continually shift its strategies to remain the most powerful and influential country. America’s power comes from its military and economic influence, which Friedman points out, was evident when the 2008 economic crisis occurred. One of the keys to retaining America’s power around the world is to keep other countries off balance and

They understood how to convey one’s beliefs to the public, look like he is doing what he promised, and behind the scenes making moves that perhaps many Americans would not particularly like. These moves would in the end strengthen our nation. Friedman argues that the American President is the most powerful and influential politician in the world because America’s armed forces and economy affect everyone in the world. He backs this statement up with the statistic that America’s economy is three times the size of the next largest economy. Friedman argues that the president is unique in the fact that he is the sole person that is elected by everyone to represent America. He explains that the founders created a president that has many checks and balances at home, but is very influential in foreign