Although Europe remains mired in crisis and existential self-doubt, and Japan is still finding its feet after two decades of economic stagnation, the US is as relevant as ever. Indeed, no major global challenge – from conflict in the Middle East to climate change to global financial regulation – can be confronted without American engagement.
与此同时，西方核心国家似乎已经停止继续衰落。尽管欧洲深陷危机和对自身存在价值充满怀疑、日本经历二十年经济停滞后仍在试图站稳脚跟，但美国的影响力仍然和过去一样。事实上，从中东冲突到气候变化到全球金融监管——没有哪个重要的全球挑战可以在没有美国参与的情况下得到解决。