Historically all the world's dominant powers reach their zenith at some point and then begin a gradual decline as others begin their ascendancy. Perhaps the USA has attained it's apogee and now is the time for others (the EU, China ?)to take over, this is neither a good or bad thing it is just a product of shifting economic influences. The big question in my mind is: is the US willing to accept this eventual diminution of it's global status gracefully or will it go kicking and screaming ?