Post-US World-Is it a threat or opportunity?

Fareed Zakaria of Newsweek has recently written that the USA was not prominent at the Davos Summit and other nations did not really miss it. He went on to state that if USA gives up the leadership of the world, it will result in chaos and doom so other nations should be careful in not giving offence to USA, lest it withdraw its involvement and co-operation in international affairs.
He has warned that 'But for those who have been fondly waiting for the waning of American dominance—be careful what you wish for'.

I think Fareed Zakaria need not lament so much the decline of America and issue predictions of doom and chaos. Intelligence and leadership is not the exclusive domain of Americans. China, India, Brazil etc have valid concerns that their growth is not being welcomed by the Western World and the bogey of Global Warming will be used to stunt their growth. Mr Zakaria should acknowledge that the present environmental disaster is more attributable to the rampant development in countries like USA, which still use most of the vital resources of the world like oil and which go to war to protect their supply. Having reached a level of comfortable living, they now want to retain their exclusive position at the cost of other countries. This is not a valid or acceptable position. And remember that USA still has not signed the Kyoto accord and its own leaders like Al Gore are beating the drums of environmental responsibility.

Leaders will emerge in other nations to take the place of USA, if it is ready to give up its dominance. USA has adopted an unilateral approach and definitely this is not going to be liked by other nations. Countries like India, Russia, China, Australia, and even the old powers of Europe have much to offer and contribute. It is for USA to engender an atmosphere of co-operation and use forums already in place to work with the Global community. But President Bush has taken USA in a separatist path and his nation has to face the consequences.

There is no point in smarting about the indifference to the absence of USA. USA can be as relevant as it wishes. If they are not ready to come to the party, the party won't stop. It will go on and others will have the fun and hangover too. The world does not require micro-managing by USA which anyway is not infallible as events have proved.

Don't be condescending, is what I say.