LISTENING 3
American Decline: Global Power in the 21st Century (6:40)

PRE-VIEWING QUESTIONS

1. Do you think the balance of power in the world has shifted?

2. What, to your knowledge, is the current role of the US in the international arena?

Vocabulary

1. asset — a useful or valuable thing or person

2. to be broke — (here) to be in decline or crisis

3. battering — a damaging experience or situation: an injury, setback or defeat

VIEWING TASKS

a) Watch part of the video up to 1:20 to note the distinction between relative and usable power (according to Peter Trubowitz).

b) Tick the points you hear about what makes up American power.

Higher educationThe English language
Diverse cultureMedical research
Military powerEconomic power
Technological innovationPowerful allies
Scientific achievementsAmerican values

c) Watch the video to the end and fill in the gaps to complete the summary. America became a dominant country after the end of the Cold War and gained even more power by __________. However, nowadays there is an ongoing debate on the US global role. Critics claim that the US is in decline because ___________________. Others believe America is not in decline but _______________________ and predict the US position will remain strong due to ________________________. China, which is considered by many America’s main rival, has accomplished a lot in the past decades in terms of ____________ , but it is unlikely to become the global leader in the foreseeable future because ____.

Speak Up

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Do you agree with Peter Trubowitz that America lacks usable power? Give your reasoning.

2. Which of the political analysts, in your opinion, is the most persuasive in his arguments?

3. Do you believe America still has capacity to lead the world? If not, what do you think could potentially help the country reclaim its global leadership?

4. Do you think China has the muscle to surpass America as the world’s biggest power?

5. In your view, is the world likely to become multipolar sometime soon?