In the last few weeks and even days, the world has seen major changes in power from the resignation of Boris Johnson to two of Sri Lanka’s top officials stepping down following a violent attack on privacy. Whether the reasons for these shifts are economic, political or simply based on corruption, they have a ripple effect that can reach every corner of the world. In America, we are seeing many changes in our political, economic and social climate that have divided our government as well as the American people.
Curious about how our readers might see a sudden change at home, we asked: Is a superpower change possible in the United States? What could a peaceful, but important, shift look like? Would it be desirable? Do you think we are close to one happening?
Some individuals predict a shift from progressive ideals to more conservative ones and that a change in American perspective and prioritization could trigger major political change.
Otherwise, many Americans are beginning to see shifts in different sectors outside of the political one. An adjustment in the use and importance of the media has been a driving force in “divisive politics,” one person wrote. Discussion of the social impact of issues such as global warming, abortion rights and gun control has become more polarized and more emotionally charged. Even a move towards a capitalist economy has influenced the job sector, the minimum wage, and greatly affected the distribution of wealth in America.
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Regardless of the outcome of the shift, many individuals agree that major changes in power are the result of turbulent times and anxiety among the American people. The course of this country could be determined by a majority of Americans feeling as if they are “going in the wrong direction,” according to a reader, or a desperate need to survive.
For better or for worse, a major shift in power may be on the horizon in the near future.
Following is a selection of reader responses, edited for length and clarity.
I feel that there will be a power shift in Congress, from Democratic to Republican, in 2022. If the country under the current administration continues to underperform domestically and internationally, this political power shift will continues in 2024. That said, I feel there will be a movement by moderate Republicans and Democrats, and independents, to change the course of the country. When over 80 percent of the country feels we’re going in the wrong direction – and it’s not all because of partisan politics – something needs to change. – Al Smith
If reason prevails in the voting public in the United States, we should begin to see a shift towards the center in both political parties as a significant majority of the public expresses support for centrist views on several divisive issues and, in some cases, acting in accordance with those views.
Looking through the dust thrown up in our fearful battles and listening beyond the noise of our harried mobs, I can hear the voices of reason and see the evidence of their good work. Reason must prevail if we are to survive. -Joe Bachofen
In light of the ongoing obstacles to justice and democracy that our political system has shown, continuing on the current path will lead to an increasingly unlivable future for the majority of the world (climate change, authoritarianism). I think it is possible that a combination of capitalism and democracy can work if it has the appropriate checks in place. I think a massive power shift in the United States would have to begin by dismantling the following barriers:
Once this is achieved, I think a massive power shift will be a movement amplified through technology (social media virality, internet forums) which then catalyzes personal organizing. What would a peaceful but important change of power look like?
I think one option for a peaceful but important rebellion could be a collective strike: on the provision of services and the purchase of goods. This would act as a “wake-up call” for political leaders and corporations. Once we have their attention, we would need a list of demands that would include reparations, redistribution of wealth, and land restitution, as well as a new political system that includes stricter checks on corporations. This move may mean help from other developed countries. -Mia Ballan
It is now widely understood that today’s mass media narratives and online flood of partisan, vitriolic misinformation are fueling our country’s divisive politics. For better or for worse, the media still hold the keys to power in the United States. I believe that a major power change is possible through the media, and that change would be very desirable if it moved power back to the people, where it belongs. The current reach and speed of media technology puts us very close to a superpower move towards more representative government. For that change to be peaceful and important, a catalyst would be needed that could bring together all of today’s most powerful forms of media for a unified and focused political purpose.
Such a change would look similar to many of the other transformative technology-based changes in culture and commerce that we have experienced in the 21st century. It would be an entrepreneurial response to strong public demand for services that are more effective and easier to access. It may also be much closer than you might think. We have the ability to leverage the media to shift power back to the people by demonstrating a demand for political content that reflects a dormant, but typically American culture of common sense, problem solving, and shared values. Recent events from around the world show us that if we want to shift power, we may want to start by shifting our culture through our media. – Jim Ragsdale
Major power shifts occur when a significant majority of the population favors it. The experience of recent years is that the desire for change does not usually come from desires for justice, fairness or empathy but rather often from basic resentment, anger which is then channeled by opportunists in order to seize power. Recent examples are Brexit and MAGA. Nevertheless, there are cases in history when this resentment was positively channeled as it was in the New Deal, but of course by a clear majority and also, very importantly, by leaders who were basically decent people.
Personally, I don’t see any clear majority in America being able to bring about major change, only polarization down the middle. Such an environment is perfect for the rise of bullies and authoritarians. If we see a major power shift in America, I fear it will come from the top and it will be for the worse. – Felix Bergel
