SPECIAL REPORT: Seeking a New World : On America : What Role Will It Play in the Next Century?

MILOVAN DJILAS

Communist-turned-critic, Yugoslavia

America is starting to be the first global civilization. America is the center for new ideas. I rebelled against communism (in Yugoslavia)--but I found the market for my books in America. Why? I think the next century will be American.’

YASUHIRO NAKASONE

Former Japanese prime minister

‘I think it is excessive that Americans are losing confidence. America’s fundamentals remain very strong--its basic science, its technology, its multifaceted thinking. Its frontier spirit is thriving. Ten years from now, the United States will be a superpower--the only superpower.’

VALERY GISCARD D’ESTAING

Former president of France

‘Are we heading toward a role of the world’s policeman for the United States? I don’t think so. When the United States tried to play that role (to prevent the Communists from taking hold in Vietnam), it cost her a very great price.’

JACQUES ATTALI

President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, London/Paris, from his book “Lignes d’Horizon”

‘The signs of America’s relative decline are converging and unquestionable. Japanese productivity is increasing at three times the U.S. rate while European productivity increases at twice the U.S. rate. Sadly for America, it has already fallen to a secondary position behind Japan.’