In 1941, on the eve of World War II, TIME magazine publisher Henry Luce proposed that the 20th Century should be known as ” The American Century” in recognition of America’s emergence as the world’s largest economy and growing international influence. This view was confirmed as the United States led the coalition to defeat Nazi Germany and Japan, then promoted global policies to remake international society in its image during the Cold War. The peak of this dynamic followed the collapse of America’s rival, the Soviet Union, at the end of 1991, celebrated by political thinkers such as Francis Fukuyama in his book “The End of History and the Last Man” as the final triumph of liberal democracy. Yet today, this optimism seems to be receding, both domestically and internationally, as American domestic politics fractures and powerful rivals such as China contest America’s global influence. Is this, then, the end of the “American Century” — some 20 years short? To explore this topic, we need to look back to understand the rise and fall of other superpowers as well as to assess the specific challenges the U.S. faces in 2024 and the future.
Mark is a career Foreign Service Officer with many tours in Korea, Japan, and at the United Nations. He served as Director of Korean Affairs in the State Department and Deputy U.S. Ambassador in Seoul. Formerly, he served as Ambassador to Mongolia.
This program will take place in person, in the Androscoggin Community Room. No registration is required. There is also an option to Zoom this class; for more information, visit https://laseniorcollege.org/.
This presentation is part of a spring series entitled Senior College in the Community offered through a partnership with Lewiston Auburn Senior College. Lewiston Auburn Senior College has a long-standing relationship with community partners. In addition to this program, Senior College offers in-person, Zoom, and hybrid enrichment classes. For more information about Senior College, visit https://laseniorcollege.org/.