The future.

[Alxcipher]

While there has only been one superpower for some time, how can we tell when this is going to change? History will perhaps see the events leading from the September 11 attacks as the starting point to a redistribution of power.

American interests are more than ever manifesting themselves offshore and to a global extent. While the United States has always had its hand in conflicts that stem far beyond its borders those interests have usually been seen within a global power system that did not have only one superpower.

From the downfall of Russia as a superpower status we are only left with one state that has the power base to truly command global authority, to a limited extent. American interests now reveal themselves as pertinent to almost every state. Does this leave its foundations weaker to attack? Or strengthen that power base?

The war in Afghanistan and the War in Iraq are obviously pertinent to reviewing all our conceptions about the United States time line as the single most powerful nation of this age. I have no answers but I think that this current power system will fall when we all least expect it.

EDIT: For Achimp's eyes.