America

From the end of WW 2 until about ten years ago the world had a love hate relationship with the United States. Because America was so powerful and so wealthy many countries were jealous and/or didn't trust America but they kept quiet because they needed America. It was the US navy that kept the seas free so all countries could trade without fearing that their products would be hijacked. This meant that most countries did not have to endure the expense of maintaining a navy. In addition the countries in the Western Hemisphere along with Western Europe and Japan did not need an army since the US had troupes in all those areas. The money they would have spent on defense was set aside for things like pensions and healthcare. Whenever they saw the US as arrogant or pushy they would just smile and be thankful for the great social programs they could afford. As globalization comes to an end things will change. First off the seas are no longer safe so any country that depends on trade for survival is in danger and will have to take steps to secure their safety. In times past this led to regional wars as countries who needed things would just take them from a weaker neighbor. Second the great US economic engine that has been spread around the globe is now coming home. The US represents 4% of the worlds population but 25% of the worlds GDP. In the new world the US will be producing most of it consumes here at home. From this point on the love/hate relationship with the US will be mostly hate.