“The Rise of the Rest” by Fareed Zakaria (816)
One. What are the three tectonic shifts of the last 500 years?
Fundamental shifts in power are what we are referring to when we say “tectonic shifts.”
The first is the rise of the Western world in the fifteenth century, which ushered modernity, science, and technology.
The second, occurring at the end of the nineteenth century, was the rise of the United States, the greatest super power since imperial Rome.
The third shift is “the rise of the rest.” Economic growth has now globalized. The tallest building is now in Taipei and will soon be overtaken by Dubai, we read. Further, the richest man is from Mexico, the largest publically traded company is from China, the largest plane from Russia, largest refinery is from India, largest factories from China, largest gambling casino in Macao.
London is becoming the largest financial center.
This is a huge shift in self-image. We used to be the biggest cowboy in the saloon; in fact, the world saw us as a giant John Wayne.
Worldwide, the amount of people living on a dollar a day has gone down from 40 percent in 1981 to 18 percent in 2004. It should fall another 12 percent by 2015.
We are “entering a post-American world.” However, Zakaria doesn’t mention our worldwide dominance in entertainment, computer games, movies, TV, music, dance, etc.
Two. What is Zakaria’s thesis?
He intends to answer the question: “What does it mean to live in a post-America world?”
There will be less international cooperation to solve international crises because America no longer calls the shots. Everyone will do what they deem is in their self-interests first.
Zakaria points out that while Americans take for granted their own patriotism and nationalism, they are shocked when faced with the same patriotism and nationalism in other countries. We can infer from his statement that power has made us narcissistic over the years perhaps.
Also America’s narrative, as the principal character in world history, is now challenged by other countries that resent being “bit players.”
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