America’s Role in the World is Strong
But we need to know the big risks and deal with them

FORUM l The case for optimism about America’s role in the world is strong, says Bill Emmott, editor in chief of The Economist. Calling himself a “paranoid optimist,” Emmott says he is comfortable with American power, yet he cautions against taking the nation’s preeminence for granted.

Responding to a series of questions from Kennedy School Dean Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who served as moderator, Emmott said, “American leadership will remain intact, even as the gap narrows between the United States and developing countries such as China, India, and some of the other Asian countries. Whatever anti-American noise is around, the reality is that America’s preeminence is basically accepted.”

But Emmott also cautioned the audience. “One must also realize that there are things that can come along to disturb this happy picture,” he said. “Therefore, I’m paranoid….We need to know what the big risks are and deal with them.”

Fueled by his optimism, Emmott believes the violent terrorism of September 11, 2001, “represents a peak and a desperate act during a period of decline of this sort of radicalism.” But, he said, “That could be wrong. That’s a hope.”