It it necessary to have another world superpower to keep the US in check?

[Nutmegger]

I seen this question posed somewhere (sorry, forgot where).

I say yes though I'm aware of another silly arms-race / Cold War type of situation developing. There's also a possibility that the other superpower is just as bad as the US.

On the other hand, a superpower can set an example and counter the agenda of the other superpower. For example, a superpower will have more influence in foreign relations. The superpower could set the stage for peace, if that's the interest.

Sadly, I don't think there will ever be a "good" superpower.

[Ezlivin]

1. In fact, I'm forming one. It'll be the Progressive Superpower

Universal health care, equal rights for all people, a living wage and legalized drugs.

[SeveneightyWhoa]

2. I can't answer, because..

..it depends on who is leading the U.S., and it greatly depends on who the other "superpower" is.

I'd want it to be Europe; not China.

[Tab]

3. Not if

we have a halfway decent president...

[BillZBubb]

4. Look at our past few presidents. How many were decent?

That should answer the question for you. We get a lot of bums in the Oval Office.

[BillZBubb]

5. Historically, a counterbalance of power always emerges.

The dominant power always overextends and ends up getting thumped. We won't be any exception.

I think we are starting to see the stirrings of an alliance against US power starting to take shape. Russia and China will be the principle players.