AAMERICANMERICAN F FOREIGNOREIGN P POLICYOLICY ININ AAUUNIPOLARNIPOLAR W WORLDORLDRobert EdgarJune 2, 2005Ethics of Development in a Global EnvironmentProf. Bruce LusignanEdgar 0The United States is not a great power, it is not a super power, but instead it is theundeniable hyper power of the world. Economic and military dominance combined with ageographical landscape abundant in resources and lacking proximate attackers have establishedthis nation as a juggernaut in the international community. As the giant continues to grow andstrengthen its grip on the international order, the rest of the world scatters to find its place in thesystem. Some choose to jump on the back of the giant, providing it with its necessities forexpansion and forming alliances beneficial for them. Others fear the presence of the US insidetheir boundaries and cringe at the thought of being crushed. Yet they stand opposed to its powerand seek any means necessary in order to secure themselves and challenge the dominance of theoverwhelming force. In an alarming trend that not only threatens US supremacy but also theworlds security, these “rogue nations” have shown signs of seeking Weapons of MassDestruction in order to ensure a comfortable place in the giant’s world.In the coming years it is possible that the largest threat to the US will be the issue ofproliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) amongst rogue nations. The manner inwhich the unipolar power of the world deals with this issue will be critical for the future. It isclear that the world is headed towards a time that could determine the international order foryears to come. Either the US continues to establish its power or the world begins to slowlyadvance towards multipolarity. In order to understand this threat in particular, there will first be athorough analysis of the current international system, emphasizing the power of the US and itsstrong relationship with the other higher powers. Then it will be established that rogue nationsare the most likely to challenge the US, specifically by pursuing WMD. The threat of the WMDin the hands of these rogue nations will be assessed and strategies for focusing on the problemand managing issues will be discussed. Edgar 1The Current International Structure In understanding the new international order of today one must start at the top with theUnited States. After the fall of the Soviet Union the US enjoyed the seat as the only super powerin the world. Combined with nuclear capabilities unchallenged by any other nation orcombination of nations, the US had the victory of the Cold War to push it forward in the newunipolar world. To top off this victory, the Americans have continued to grow and expand theirpower. The Clinton era enjoyed a booming economy and unparallel advances in technology thatallowed the nation to solidify its role as the economic leader of the world. The strength of thenation is reflected in its massive military prowess and its influence in the international socialorder. The following analysis will evaluate the strengths of the US in the unipolar system. An economic analysis of US power shows that the US has an extremely high amount ofleverage when it comes to economy. As the biggest and most powerful economy in the world, theUS has managed to link its success to others countries. While many would say that this might notbe a smart move because the country has to depend on other nations, it is actually one of themain reasons countries would not challenge the US. They have enacted the perfect strategy, firstapplied by Bismarck Germany, as it has placed itself in the center of the wheel and hub model.1To reach this point the US has pursued foreign policies that make the world conducive to thecapitalistic environment the US flourishes in. This has led to the new trend of globalization thathas been a critical element in developing a system in which many countries create a significanteconomic relationship with the US. Walter Russel Mead refers to this as “sticky power” in thesense that it entices many countries to join because of economic benefits and then makes themstay by creating dependence to the system. This system has allowed the US to build the strongest1 Joffe, Josef. (2002) “Defying History and Theory: The United states as the Last Remaining Superpower,” in G John Ikenberry , ed., America Unfivaled: The Future of the Balanace of Power (Cornell U.P., 2002)Edgar 2economic machine in history that depends on the fuel of world markets to run. Over the pastdecade the US has added to its share of world product, manufactures, and high-technologyproduction; increased its lead in productivity; and regained or strengthened its lead in manystrategic industries.2 This in return has led to a military program that boasts power, size, and finesse. Thismilitary stands as the only armed force that could plausibly attain global power with thecapability of fighting two full-fledged wars at the same time. It dominates every military aspect:technologically it is the most modern military in the world; it has extensive ground forces; theonly Navy with transcontinental force; a prevailing air force; an overwhelming nuclear arsenal;and continued investment and development in communications, intelligence and militarylogistics and command.3 Not only does the US have leverage as a military power, it also2 Wohlforth, William. (1999) “The Stability of a Unipolar World,” International Security, pg. 11 3 Wohlforth, William. (1999) “The Stability of a Unipolar World,” International Security, pg. 16-18Edgar 3exercises much power through the political arena. The US has vast amounts of control over theIMF, World Bank, the WTO and the OECD as well as very favorable relations with the boomingeconomies of the EU and Japan. It can join forces with regional powers to make strong alliancesin strategic places of the world. It also can choose to disregard international norms when itpleases, this evident by the war in Iraq. One cannot deny that in today’s world the US is thehyper power and the leader of the unipolar structure. America does not just have economic, military and political strength. The nation has alsobegun to export its culture and ideals, described by Joseph S. Nye as “soft power”.4