The United States was founded on the ideals of individual liberty, the rule of law, the competitive market, self-determination, and the pursuit of a better life. Our core purpose remains to uphold these ideals at home while defending them against attacks from abroad. Domestically, this hinges on preserving the legitimacy of our political processes and institutions, and a shared belief that the government — at all levels — seeks not to hinder, but rather to unleash and aid as necessary, the potential of its citizens and private enterprises. Internationally, it hinges on the existence of a relatively peaceful and predictable order, one governed by rules not dictated by might, and one that aspires toward freedom and democracy, not autocracy.
However, the current global order faces existential challenges from competing ideologies — authoritarianism chief among them — and actors who prefer anarchy in which they believe they can thrive and impose their will. Our goal should be to strengthen and preserve the current order, which strives to foster freedom, peace, and prosperity for all. Maintaining order requires avoiding complacency, both our own and that of others. However, our true global influence lies in pioneering new frontiers and extending access to those advancements to the world.
While America is a grand experiment in democracy, it is not without its challenges: our government is slow, often internally divided, and not inherently optimized for concerted global competition. Yet during the Cold War, new and innovative institutions arose to partner with and complement our private sector in order to counter and ultimately defeat the Soviet threat. Our ability to adapt and improve has historically served as a source of national strength and resilience. The rise of AI and the coming technological transformation offers tremendous potential for amplifying not merely the appeal and influence of freedom and prosperity, but also for bolstering our national defense for a more secure future for ourselves and our allies. The United States may not yet be fully prepared for this new technological era, but we have shown that our nation has the dynamism to adapt and excel. The responsibility now lies with America’s leaders to ensure that we do.
Political Strength. Today’s hyper-partisanship and polarization is straining our political system, but America’s enduring political strength lies in its system of checks and balances. The Founding Fathers, wary of overly concentrated power in a single institution or individual, designed a government where the legislative, executive, and judicial branches share and constrain each other’s authority. This system, while prone to slowness and occasional gridlock, ensures that no single individual or faction can exercise power arbitrarily. It demands compromise, ensures that no one is above the law, protects minority rights, and provides a mechanism for the peaceful transition of power. Taken together, these checks and balances lend stability to our political system but also enable our democracy to evolve and change, thus ensuring its health and vibrancy.
Another enduring strength is the resilience of its democratic institutions and the wide belief in their legitimacy. The Constitution acts as a bedrock, providing continuity even in times of polarization. While civic participation and trust in institutions may wax and wane, Americans by and large remain committed to the founding principles of our nation and our liberty. This commitment creates a reservoir of political legitimacy that endures beyond specific leaders or policies, ensuring continuity amid internal disputes and external challenges.
Economic Strength. The United States has the world’s largest economy, with a nominal GDP of approximately $27 trillion as of 2023 — more than a third larger than its closest rival, China.[1] America’s massive and highly diversified economy boasts strengths in services, software, biotechnology, and many other cutting-edge industries, as well as traditional sectors like finance, agriculture, and energy, critical not only for growth but also for economic security. America is a global leader in innovation, a significant investor in research and development, and a magnet for foreign capital and talent that fuel the creation of new businesses, products, and services which in turn drive economic growth and set the pace for much of the world.
The United States is also the world’s financial superpower: the U.S. dollar serves as the global reserve currency, underpinning international trade and finance. This unique status grants America significant economic leverage, prosperity, and financial stability. Additionally, the United States is home to the largest, most sophisticated, and most liquid financial markets in the world, promoting two-way capital flows and providing businesses at home and abroad access to funding for expansion and innovation. Its workforce, while facing challenges,[2] is still growing and remains highly skilled and productive, a byproduct of having the best universities and top talent from around the world.
Military Strength. The United States possesses the world’s most professional, powerful, and technologically advanced military, led by some of the most combat-hardened leaders in the world. With a budget exceeding those of the next ten largest militaries combined,[3] an unmatched worldwide presence, and weapon platforms of superior and reliable quality, its armed forces have a peerless global reach. The United States maintains a significant network of overseas bases and alliances, allowing for rapid deployment, staging, and power projection in strategic regions across the globe. Its military leverages cutting-edge technology across all branches and in each domain, from AI, cyber, and space capabilities to advanced air, ground, and naval platforms.
America’s military dominance also rests on its nuclear deterrent capabilities: a vast and reliable nuclear arsenal that serves as a major check against adversaries and a key assurance for our treaty allies. Additionally, the U.S. defense industry is the undisputed leader in global technological and weapons development and exports, driving innovation in areas that often spill into broader civilian applications. While costs and strategic focus are subject to debate, the vast capabilities of the U.S. military are a formidable, central component of its position as a global superpower.
Innovation Strength. The United States maintains a dominant position as a global technology powerhouse. The country is home to Silicon Valley, multiple existing and emerging innovation hubs, and a nationwide network of research labs, which together foster an ecosystem of innovation, attract large-scale venture capital, and engender a culture of balanced risk-taking. American universities and national labs excel in research and development, while a skilled workforce fuels a robust knowledge economy. This combination drives advancements in cutting-edge fields like AI, biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced networks, next-generation energy, and advanced manufacturing. Two recent, history-making accomplishments have demonstrated America’s leadership in innovation: the expeditious development and scaling of COVID vaccines, and incredible advances in generative AI.
American tech giants also continue to hold vast market power and influence, impacting global communication, commerce, and entertainment. The strength of the tech sector attracts top talent from around the world, further reinforcing American technological leadership. While facing increased competition, particularly from China, America’s innovation infrastructure and entrepreneurial spirit remain powerful drivers of technological advancement and a tremendous source of national power. In a world in which America’s military and diplomatic power may increasingly be contested, the decisive advantage for the United States may come from its innovation power.
[1] Compare the U.S. nominal GDP in 2023 ($27.36tn) to China’s ($17.66tn). See World Economic Outlook (April 2024) – GDP, Current prices, International Monetary Fund (2024).
[2] As of February 2024, “data shows that we have 9.5 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.5 million unemployed workers.” See Stephanie Ferguson, Understanding America’s Labor Shortage, U.S. Chamber of Commerce (2024).
[3] Dave Lawler, U.S. Spent More on Military in 2022 Than Next 10 Countries Combined, Axios (2023).