Why Great Powers Rise and Fall: History's Lessons for the United States

History contains many examples of nations that rise to the top of global power only to fall again. Some of the most comprehensive research shows that this rise and fall is closely linked to changes in relative economic strength and the military power this economic strength enables. Nations that reach global supremacy have economies that were built upon years and years of positive forces, all cumulatively pushing to a crescendo that is powerful and resilient. Once at the pinnacle, however, a nations attitudes and collective values often change and slowly dampen the powerful economic force that propelled it to its state. These same attitudes and values often result in behaviors that enable another nation to build its economy to one of global superiority. With slight variations on the precise factors, the cycle perpetuates throughout history. This paper examines key challenges United States leaders face today to preserve the nations relative global position and presents three broad recommendations for the nation to consider associated with historical reflection, financial patterns and cultural perspective to sustain its position as a global power.