Superpowers Poll

[Redwolf]

Okay, so this is an intresting question. If the US was to collapse, who would be the next superpower. Here are the contenders:

1) China - China, until the recent centuries, has always been the world superpower in terms of technology and capitol. Then the world caught up. Soon, even the Japanese were kicking them around. Then the Allies helped by royally smacking Japan and forcing them to surrender with 2 US atomic bombs and a suprise raid by the Soviets. Then the Soviets helped China up to it's feat and it soon became a superpower once more (it was the UK of the Iron Curtain). They went up to the #3 spot and the Soviets fell. Now they are the #2 superpower in the world. Will thier transition to free-market economics prove to be their strength? Or will their clumsy Communist dictatorship be their downfall?

2. UK - Ahh yes, the British Empire. Before WWI and WWII, they were unmatched in strength and power. Then the Germans came. And they came agian. And agian. And the Italians too, oh my! So after a few sucsessful campaigns by the Lugawfe (sp) the glorious 'sun never sets' empire was reduced to 4 providences on 2 small side-by-side islands. Good thing the defenses got built, the Germans moved to the eastern front, and the Americans came and with the British and Canadians, pushed the front back to Berlin where Hitler commited suicide and that was the last anyone heard of German hostility. But now the sun does set on the British as they are quite a few timezones short of what they once were. They can still strut it with the best of them though, as proven when Argentina foolishly declared war. Will the British still have only 4 providences? Or will the Egyptions have to brush up on their English agian?

3. Russia - The mighty Russian bear. It's startilng to look more and more like a cub than a Grizzly. Let's face it, the fall of the Soviet Union diddn't help anyone as now the Russians found out the hard way about poverty and crime in a capitolist society and former states and allies have sunken to abysmal lows (think Iraq and Bosnia and Kosovo and, well, you get the point) and even terrorism. But the Russians still have a pretty strong military for a country with such a low GPA and still have a somewhat active stockpile. Will the bear become far more menacing? Or will it be doomed to the country that was and could have been?

4. Israel - Whether or not you like 'em or not, there's no denying that Israel has become a major player in terms of power since the late 40s, despite a continuous war with Palestinians, vicious terrorist groups, an Iron Curtain, and even European scholars, they still have $$ and military power to boot. Couldthey possibly overcome the tremendous obstacles that hinder them to take the US's place? Or will the European scholars laugh at them for generations to come?

5. Australia - Paul Hogan, Fosters Beer, and boomerangs. All of which probably first come to mind to those of us that don't live in Australia. But those of us from the land down under will tell us that Australia has plenty of capitol. Maybe they can build up a good war machine should the occasion call for it. Not bad for a colony started as a prison camp, eh?

6. Canada - The good neighbors to the north. Always misunderstood by the Americans. But Canada has a significant military power and is the largest trader with the US. They are well established and their head is even a world leader to boot. Oh, and did I mention they have the largest supply of uranium in the world? Watch out enemies, Canada's got the bomb! Errmm, anyway...Will their miltary might show through? Or will they be condemed to only be recognized for maple syrup and hockey(sp?) for eternity?

7. Japan - Ahh the savy Japanese. Their ideas aren't exactly original, but they excel at making stuff. Be it Chinese sowards or American semiconductors, they consistently prove themselves a powerful force in the economy. Their navy was once the #2 best in the world until the industrialy superior Americans gave them quite a beating in WWII. So could Japan pull themselves together and become the dominant power? Or not?

8. South Korea - You have to feel for these guys. The Korean war was alot like the American Civil War/between the states/of southern agression. It pitted brother agianst sister in a bloody, bloody conflict. It ended in stalemate, but the damage was done. Good thing the Republic of Korea (S. Korea) recovered. Now they can be consitered up there with Japan in terms of manufacturing and technology. But can their Economy support not only them but the rest of the world?

9. Something else will happen - Would the european union come together to form a second Greko-Roman (sp) empire? Would the middle eastern states come together a la Executive Orders by Tom Clancy? Would Africa wake up out of poverty and into political powerhouse? Maybe Mexico, Brazil, or another power will take over. Maybe like a Pheonix form the ashes a newer, better America will emerge? Who knows, it's all pure speculation. But if you think any one oth these or something else not mentioned will happen, tell us. Even if you thik Antartica will become the dominant country, tell us. K? k...

[daveleau]

The EU will become the dominant power, but no true SuperPower would exist.

Maybe like a Pheonix from the ashes a newer, better America will emerge?

I can't imagine a US which rolls over and plays dead. So unless it was utterly destroyed, all of its people as well, it would never not be a dominant force. So I voted "other".

BTW, Australia has something like the 2nd largest uranium deposit in the world. And more other natural resources (coal, gas, heavy metals) than most anybody. If a shake-up came due to stuff running out, I think Australia would be an interesting place to be. The question would be: who would run it?

Cheers
Mick

[originel]

i just voted japan, don't have any valid reason, just a feeling.

[ironforge]

well.. if you want to know what happens..
just read the book of revelations

[OuTpaTienT]

Awe man. I thought this thread was going to be about Super-hero powers. [sigh]

[Redwolf]

That'll be my next poll

[jman01pa]

The only real reason for us to collapse would be world war and if any major country attacked us to that extreme, I am sure we would nuke them. So the world would end up not exisitng as we know it today and no one would be a superpower...

[sven222]

jman: It is possible that the US could be wiped off the map, without a chance of retalliation. Of course that won't happen, but there is a small possibility that it could.

mick how could you not vote for australia?!?

with steve erwin as our unholy leader, we will rule supreme amongst the supposed 'world powers', eliminating any foolish nation that dares to cross our path. No longer will we be known by our bushwacking crocodile dundee stereotypical style, but rather we will be infamous around the world for our cunning war plans and shrewd economic skills.

we will conquer, mark my words, we will conquer...

Originally posted by sven222
mick how could you not vote for australia?!?

with steve erwin as our unholy leader,

eeeeeeewwww.... what a thought, sven!



Cheers
Mick