Evidence continues to mount that the pattern of global protests is linked by dissatisfaction with the process of globalization. This countermovement against the effects of market capitalism remains unfocused and unorganized, but in many respects it suggests the same pattern of dissatisfaction that emerged in Europe right after World War I. If a recession does occur in Europe, then the likelihood is that the protests will only intensify and deepen. To make matters worse, the International Labor Organization has issued a very pessimistic forecast of global employment growth in the future.
The economic slowdown in the United States has had a significant effect on its military power. Much money (well over $1 trillion) was spent on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and given the pressure to reduce the budget deficit in the US, President Obama has ordered significant cuts to the defense budget. As proposed (and there is no guarantee that the Congress will go along), the cuts will primarily affect the Army and the Marines and leave the Navy and the Air Force relatively intact. The choice is significant: it suggests that the US is not willing to fight long ground wars any more, but still wishes to retain its ability to project power abroad. The proposal suggests a modified global role for the US. It will still be the world’s policeman, but it wants the police back-up to come from other countries. We’ll see if that’s possible.
World Politics News 
Leave a comment