zlacker

>>anigbr+(OP)
As a US taxpayer I don’t particularly like this. We rely on being the world’s reserve currency, and many things get more expensive, e.g., serving government debt. In 2000-2001 we were able to effectively bully three countries that were talking about moving away from the US dollar, but I am not sure if that works now.

I have a lot of personal theories how my country can best cope with future geopolitical adjustments. If I were in charge, the first thing I would do would be to close most foreign military bases. We can have the strongest military in the world and have them largely based in the US. I think the US Navy continues to be a good investment, but I would cut back a small amount on intel and other military branches.

>>mark_l+R3
"We can have the strongest military in the world and have them largely based in the US."

Sure, if you want a really strong Coast Guard. As soon as you venture out of that little bubble you're going to need ports, air-bases, and other facilities.

China is suffering from a lack of these, they really can't operate anywhere in the world like the US can. The same goes for Russia. In effect, those two are completely boxed in.

By things like US bases all over the world.

You can even argue that historically Britain was disproportionately powerful because of their extensive network of bases and ports. Trade was relatively easy for them, while other European powers never had the same access.

Like it or not, the ability to trade and the strength of your power projection are often deeply inter-linked.