CR 6: Pax Americana?

          It is often said that the history is the process of shifting major power and its balance. Rome empire, which had millions of population and conquered vast majorities of territories in Europe, was never believed to lose its power. However, Rome empire's influence was weakened when Germanic and Slavic culture started to change the Latin civilization. How about the kingdom of Spain? The great power of Spanish Armada was believed to be an everlastingly unbeaten military power, but it was also defeated by English Navy at Elizabeth period. Likewise, in the 21st century, the United States is undoubtedly the greatest super-power nation in the world. And there comes a next question: when does 'Pax Americana' come to an end? 
           The term 'Pax Americana' was firstly used when United States  became the most powerful country in North America, achieving peace and balance after finishing American Civil War. Two world wars were an opportunity for US; its military power influence finally ended the wars in Europe, and when Europe was in  the abysmal economic crisis after the wars, America's economic, military support and the spirit of capitalism prevailed the Western countries. Even after the collapse of Soviet Union and its coalition nations, US is now encountering its golden age: US has the greatest economy and military power. Everyone seeks for the freedom, chances, and liberties in the territories of US. Many students dream for entering prestigious colleges and institutions in the US. Everyone watches movies and TV shows made in Hollywood,  buys iPhone, iPod, and uses Facebook and Google. No one can deny that US is the most powerful and influential country in the world. 
           The problem is that superpowers, most often, face the decline after they hit the peak. Throughout the world history, we have seen many examples: Roman empire, Great Britain, or Ming Dynasty. I think that there are some factors that weaken the power of United States as well. For example, the sub-prime mortgage crisis, which happened in 2008, enormously hit  the worldwide economy, and America is still suffering from high unemployment rate and the aftermath of recessions. Emergence of China as a new political, economic superpower is another threat to America.  
             However, I believe that the most significant factor that accelerates the decline of US power is, ironically, its hegemonism to expand its power all over the world. Inside this concept of hegemonism, there lies a spirit of 'selfishness'. Of course, all nations should pursue its own national goal, and it cannot be achieved without some extent of selfishness. However, in America's case, its selfishness to pursue its national interest goes way too far. How about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? US started this war with the purpose of finding Osama Bin Laden, the terrorist. However, in this war, US showed off too much violence and cruelty by killing innocent civilians and bombarding the cities. US says that they are the worldwide-police, but many people in other countries believe that US just wants to pretend to be a superhero or just show off its power. We can see another example from environmental pollution: US didn't follow Kyoto protocol to reduce its CO2 and greenhouse gas emission, even though all other developed countries agreed to follow it.  Now, US is the second most environment-polluting nation in the world, following China, the first place nation. 
            I don't know whether its selfishness is justified or not; however, I think that its selfishness, or its excessive hegemonism continues to take place, it will accelerate the end of its 'Pax Americana'


Debate Motions:
1. THBT George Bush administration did more harm than good to world peace
2. THBT wars in Afghanistan cannot be justified.
3. THBT US has to follow Kyoto protocol