> If the US wasn't how it is, another power would rule. Would that other power be as benign and cooperative as the US has been? In current days, the alternative

> If the US wasn't how it is, another power would rule. Would that other power be as benign and cooperative as the US has been? In current days, the alternative powers would be China, and I don't think a Chinese world power system would be better for everyone. From this European’s perspective, I welcome the US’s benign power, now and historically (the Marshall plan), and agree the alternatives have always been terrible (unless, say, Canada were to step up in the event of US decline). However, I’m not sure I would share this perspective if I were living in one of the South American countries where the US has overturned elections, or Iraq or Vietnam. US power is benign as long as you’re on their side.