Joburg had Green voices asserting Lapham's essay re America the new Rome. In fairness we should point out that the essayist knowingly or otherwise 'got it' from linking US dominance World Trade Organisation and Roman philosopher Cicero who wrote: "We are the absolute masters of what the earth produces". The link spin from this - doubtless a specious US thinktank - has been elites and policymakers' assertion on "AMERICAN MANIFEST DESTINY". Original concept was based on a tree growing unimpeded to its 'full potential' etc. Sadly (unfortunately) this AMD as dictated today has taken on a dimension whereby planet Earth is in effect ROOTBALL USA. That parallels have been drawn with Roman rule is interesting and perforce follow through, too, in decline and fall.

Allied to the above and following on from my (1/9/02) piece, I note Bill Grieder's article for The Nation(23/9/02) for its comprehensive look at massive and growing US deficits. Arising from this and WATCHOUT its trading partners and wouldbe bilaterals is the serious business of picking the plug-pulling date by US creditors. Hey, who'd wannabe widda Cap'n headed for that gurgler!!
Shrewdly, BG also points out how major trading partners would more likely tolerate US hegemony as they 'shift power' toward themselves rather than oppose Cap'n George's go at Saddam. [Leaves costs with the aggressor for one thing).
Historian Paul Kennedy(by this view) is thus proved right that it is economic power that sustains great nations more than military might. Untested, however, at this point [and thus uncertain as opposed to the IMF's misplaced 'greater certainty' support for a "short sharp campaign") is whether war by the USA against a single Arab state will justify assassination to secure the "energy-power" formula at base of US economic sustainability.
A useful indicator here is that over the past year Saudis have withdrawn some $200B (USD) from the US. A weaker buck and rising deficits is bad look any prospects that money returning. And indeed, its stashing into Asian growth along with Asian investment in itself makes for badder and badder.. the "ebbing" as BG puts it.
An irony of all of this is that at a time in this world of greater communications capability than at all previous points the loose cannon belongs to the biggest mili-mojos. In the circumstances headed for the fall kinda looks deserved. Wouldn't you say?
Bye now - KK Karnig