Political scientists often avoid predicting the future of international relations, and with good reason. Nevertheless, the question of the future is critical for the United States, especially if Zakaria is correct that the United States will reach its apex and be challenged by “the rest” in the not too distant future. Even if it is not surpassed, he argues, we are entering a post-American world. Such predictions are not new. The fear of decline was much more prevalent after the Arab oil embargo and proved wholly premature.