The Erosion of a Superpower: America is Undermining Itself

In the upcoming elections, millions of Americans will decide the future leadership of the country amidst significant internal challenges to democracy and the rule of law. The erosion of American power is attributed not to external threats but to internal divisions and a loss of trust in institutions. Historian Johan Norberg emphasizes that civilizations decline due to internal exhaustion rather than external enemies, highlighting America's current symptoms of distrust and isolationism. The closing of borders and restrictions on immigration threaten innovation, as seen in the decline of international graduates in the U.S. The article warns that protectionist policies could further harm the economy, which has thrived on openness and trade.