Harvard professor Joseph Nye's book entitled "Is the American Century Over" caught the attention of international strategy scholars as he indicates that the U.S. economy will be surpassed by China's.
Nye discussed that the "American century” will endure for a few more decades and the world will keep on being complicated, but the U.S. will uphold its military and political supremacy.
Although some of Nye's points were acceptable and persuasive, his idea of "American century" shows conflict because it hardly applies to the steadfast changing of the new world.
Taking sides on American or Chinese century will result in a one-sided mentality. From a Chinese view, they could not own the 21st century, for the Chinese economy is behind the American's. Washington, on the other hand, can no longer direct its allies as it used to before, which shows that this century is not dominated by Americans.
International strategy scholars are advised to get rid of their old ideas and to conceptualize new innovative approach to the new century as ideas from the 20th century can no longer define the new generation.
Excellence will be continually manifested by China and the U.S. in the 21st century. Other nations, however, may not play the role of satellite states as they used to be during the Cold War between the former Soviet Union and the U.S.
China will continue to progress and nurture its influence worldwide with its unique political path and the concept of harmony it advocates despite its complex geopolitical environment.
Domination of the two terms “American century" or "China century" would only cause more complications to the world, especially to the international politics. Cooperation among nations is more necessary that determining which country controls the 21st century.