How dependent on the US are other countries?

[Tabrett]

Curious what you think?

 

I have alway been under the impression that if the US people can't afford to keep buying unnecessary "cheap" junk made in other countries, the other countries will fall economically too.

 

Do you think this to be so?

 

Are other countries sustainable if the US citizens can't afford to buy from them anymore?

[Rosie_0801]

How dependent is the US on other countries?

 

The US could be just as hurt by trade embargoes as anyone else.

 

 

Rosie

[MotherGoose]

That is an interesting question. I do not know the answer to it, but at the rate at which the trinkets are produced and consumed, they must be fairly dependent on it. I was in Wal-Mart today, and walked through the Christmas section, where all the decorations are now 75% off, and wondered about what percentage of these decorations end up in the landfill within a year of purchase.

[Laura Corin]

It depends what 'other countries' you are talking about. Europe's exports to the US are not 'cheap junk' but luxury products and technology/engineering. Boeing buys engines from Rolls-Royce; your doctors buy pharmaceuticals from GlaxoSmithKline and AstroZenica. For that matter, even if you are looking at countries like China, the computer on your desk will probably have been made there: not quite so junky.

 

Your more general point: the US is, indeed, a dominant market, but I believe its dominance is being eroded over time.

 

ETA: I just checked: Britain's largest trading partner is the rest of Europe.

 

Laura

Edited January 5, 2011 by Laura Corin

[Deb in NZ]

From what I understand the markets in Asia are more important to NZ's economy than the American market. NZ does export to the US, but the bulk of our dairy, meat, ect. is exported elsewhere. The weakening of the US dollar has had a bigger effect IMHO on the NZ economy than any drop in sales to the US.

[mcconnellboys]

The Story of Stuff:

 

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

[specialmama]

Just an interesting thing about Canada and the States I watched about, oh, 2 minutes before logging onto this forum tonight. :D

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV_041oYDjg

[Peela]

Whatever the answer is (and I dont really know it), the manufacturing and consumption of cheap junk is hardly a good thing to base economies on. Its not ethical, its not sustainable, its destructive to the environment, it causes suffering....better we let it go than hang on to it in case it hurts economies in the short term.

[TheReader]

I don't think you can lump all "other countries" in the "cheap junk exporters" category.

 

Brazil, for ex, exports fruit, coffee, and cotton. Hardly cheap junk, and perhaps a reason they are one of the 4 fastest growing economies right now. Also, they protect their economy by taxing (outrageously) imports, which encourages their residents to buy things made in Brazil.

 

I'm sure if the US stopped buying oranges, coffee, cotton, etc. that would impact Brazil, but the "cheap junk" I think is an unfair generalization to most countries that export goods to the US.

[Sherry in OH]

In the short term, the economies of other countries would be impacted. In the long term, not really.

 

If the U.S. didn't buy the products, other countries would pick up the slack. How long short term would be, would vary by industry and product. For some companies it would be days, for others it could take a year or two to remodel their products for a new market.

[Audrey]

I don't think you can lump all "other countries" in the "cheap junk exporters" category.

 

Brazil, for ex, exports fruit, coffee, and cotton. Hardly cheap junk, and perhaps a reason they are one of the 4 fastest growing economies right now. Also, they protect their economy by taxing (outrageously) imports, which encourages their residents to buy things made in Brazil.

 

I'm sure if the US stopped buying oranges, coffee, cotton, etc. that would impact Brazil, but the "cheap junk" I think is an unfair generalization to most countries that export goods to the US.

 

Very much so. I live in an area with a large number of manufacturers of agricultural and industrial equipment. I can assure you that these products are neither "cheap" nor "junk."

[Carol in Cal.]

I think that other countries are very dependent militarily on the US.

[Rosie_0801]

I think that other countries are very dependent militarily on the US.

 

I think the US is very dependent on other countries, militarily. What would you do if other countries shut down the US military bases within their territory?

 

Rosie

[Carol in Cal.]

I think the US is very dependent on other countries, militarily. What would you do if other countries shut down the US military bases within their territory?

 

Rosie

 

Rats, Rosie, I was trying to be bland but apparently I struck a nerve. I'm sorry.

 

I have a lot of friends who think that the US should stop 'guarding the free world for free'. They make peace arguments, financial arguments, power arguments, and moral arguments. Some of these arguments are fairly credible, and some strike me as really, really silly.

 

But I don't think it's easy to know what the world would look like if the US did not play that role. Nature abhors a vaccuum, and the world abhors a power vaccuum. It's not as simple as 'Everything would go on as before except that there would be more money and fewer soldiers associated with the US.'

 

So that is what I was trying to get at, in an apparently not innocuous way.

 

And in answer to your question, allies do tend to be interdependent, and that is all to the good. I don't, however, feel that most Western allies 'put up with the US's bases' as much as 'host mutually beneficial military sites largely staffed and funded by the US'.

[Rosie_0801]

I don't, however, feel that most Western allies 'put up with the US's bases' as much as 'host mutually beneficial military sites largely staffed and funded by the US'.

 

Methinks it's a bit of both ;)

 

I also think your friends know even less about these things than I do. Free? :lol:

 

 

Rosie

[Peela]

I have a lot of friends who think that the US should stop 'guarding the free world for free'. They make peace arguments, financial arguments, power arguments, and moral arguments. Some of these arguments are fairly credible, and some strike me as really, really silly.

 

 

Lol, Americans listen to and believe their media rather a lot.

Not everyone sees the U.S. as the good guys in world politics, I can assure you. And no, they dont do it for free.

Nothing personal.

[Carol in Cal.]

Lol, Americans listen to and believe their media rather a lot.

Not everyone sees the U.S. as the good guys in world politics, I can assure you. And no, they dont do it for free.

Nothing personal.

 

I'm aware of that; however, the proportions are such that to a first approximation 'free' is accurate.

[Rosie_0801]

I'm aware of that; however, the proportions are such that to a first approximation 'free' is accurate.

 

Again, that depends on your pov ;)

 

 

Rosie

[TheReader]

I think that other countries are very dependent militarily on the US.

 

Again, I think this is a gross over-generalization. A few specific other countries, yes. The vast majority? Not so much.

[Laura Corin]

I think that other countries are very dependent militarily on the US.

 

The UK population is about 20% of the US population, but our dead in Afghanistan represent 24% of the US total.

 

Laura

[Melissa in Australia]

laughing hysterically here :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Audrey]

laughing hysterically here :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

 

Can you clarify, Melissa? In threaded view mode this appears as a response to Laura's post on the death rate of UK soldiers in Afghanistan, but I'm quite sure your post isn't commenting on that.

[jld]

What would you do if other countries shut down the US military bases within their territory?

 

Rosie

 

I think the U.S. could save money by doing this, and by cutting military funding, period. We were in Germany last summer, and our German friends said they don't know why American taxpayers keep funding these bases. In their opinion, at least, they are no longer needed.

 

With our running such a big deficit, and a huge national debt, cutting military funding may eventually be on the table. I don't know, though, as it seems Americans are really scared of terrorism and believe they need a big military to protect them.

 

I read recently that 53 cents of every dollar paid in taxes goes to the military. I had no idea. I don't know where I've been for the last 40 years, but I really had no idea how much total tax money went to fund the military.

 

I did hear that CBS (? I think it was CBS, but am not sure) did a poll recently and found that 20% of Americans think cutting military spending would be a way to reduce the deficit/debt, so maybe it isn't as far out there of an idea as I think. But a lot of Americans would likely fight that tooth and nail, as many states are dependent on military money spent there, and certainly private contractors for the military are not going to let that money go easily.

 

I have read things recently that say our nation is basically bankrupt, so I guess if things get bad enough, and Americans are really forced to look at reality and every single option is put on the table, maybe they'll consider a cut in military spending.

Edited January 7, 2011 by jld

[jld]

Lol, Americans listen to and believe their media rather a lot.

Not everyone sees the U.S. as the good guys in world politics, I can assure you. And no, they dont do it for free.

Nothing personal.

 

Yes, this seems to be true, Peela. If more Americans could afford to travel abroad, and listen to news in other languages, and discuss it with native speakers of those languages, they might see a lot of issues differently. Most people I know who have been abroad do it with the military or a mission organization, or go on a tour with other Americans. They have contact with local cultures, but always have their own structure to rely on.

 

When you live in a country on your own, say married to a non-American, lol, you may start to see things differently. But good luck trying to share what you've learned with fellow Americans back home. We are taught the One Correct View pretty clearly from early on, in our schools, our churches, and by our families: America is the best country in every way, always. And if you question that, you must be a communist, or a socialist, or some kind of Satan-worshipping babyeater.

 

What is so sad is that America has brought so many good things to the world, but it can't improve if it is unwilling to look at its very real weaknesses, be honest about them, and take steps to correct them.

[Ibbygirl]

Just an interesting thing about Canada and the States I watched about, oh, 2 minutes before logging onto this forum tonight. :D

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV_041oYDjg

 

That was a nice video. Thanks for linking it. :) I remember on the anniversary of 9/11 seeing a piece narrated by Tom Brokaw about all of the US bound flights that Canada landed. I had never heard the story before. I was amazed, humbled and so very grateful for the kindness, compassion and hospitality that our lovely neighbors to our north poured out on our people. God bless the people of Canada! :grouphug::grouphug:

[Ibbygirl]

If more Americans could afford to travel abroad, and listen to news in other languages, and discuss it with native speakers of those languages, they might see a lot of issues differently.

When you live in a country on your own, say married to a non-American, lol, you may start to see things differently.

 

But good luck trying to share what you've learned with fellow Americans back home. We are taught the One Correct View pretty clearly from early on, in our schools, our churches, and by our families: America is the best country in every way, always. And if you question that, you must be a communist, or a socialist, or some kind of Satan-worshipping babyeater.

 

 

 

:iagree::iagree:This is so true! I remember my great grandfather (who was born and raised in Cuba) and my grandfather (his son) who was born and raised in the US and fought in WWII, used to have heated debates because my great grandfather told his son that the CIA tried to kill Fidel Castro. My grandfather who was a proud patriot vehemently denied that the US government would ever do such a thing. Turned out Great grandpa was right.

 

I cannot tell you the number of times that I have heard very patriotic Americans say, "This is the greatest country in the world." And when I sincerely asked what makes America greater than all of the other countries in the world I've been called a Communist in reply. I've never understood that. :confused::confused:

[keptwoman]

The UK population is about 20% of the US population, but our dead in Afghanistan represent 24% of the US total.

 

Laura

I'd say that the US is dependent militarially on other countries support. Me thinks they'd be floundering in Iraq and Afganistan without the UK, Canada, Australia etc

 

Many countries punch well above their weight (based in size) in peacekeeping and military endeavours.

Edited January 7, 2011 by keptwoman

[Melissa in Australia]

Can you clarify, Melissa? In threaded view mode this appears as a response to Laura's post on the death rate of UK soldiers in Afghanistan, but I'm quite sure your post isn't commenting on that.

 

Oh, no not my intention at all, I never meant that.

 

I was just laughing about the original question, and how restrained the rest of the world( i.e non American countries) was responding.

 

I am very sorry if anyone thought otherwise. My apologies.

[Peela]

 

I was just laughing about the original question, and how restrained the rest of the world( i.e non American countries) was responding.

 

 

Well...we are on an American based message board and try and be on our best behaviour. :lol::lol::lol:

As others have said..the conditioning is soooo strong in America that they are the greatest country in the world. You can just imagine what the rest of the world thinks of that. Its just a belief Americans are taught. And thats not to diminish their contribution and the great things about America and Americans...but, really. We love you anyway.

[Deb in NZ]

Well said Peela. In the 6 January 2011 NZ Herald I read the following article:

"Heavy price for place in US good books" http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10698003

 

It gives a good example of another country's view on the US's influence internationally.

 

 

 

"Finally, the US economy is today held afloat by the exports of its enormous military-industrial complex (we would of course be expected to pay our dues). And by the goodwill of the rest of the world in extending it credit (on the same dubious "too big to fail" logic the US Administration has taken towards bailing out its ailing banking and automotive sectors)." ---NZ Herald 6Jan11

 

 

I have a lot of friends who think that the US should stop 'guarding the free world for free'. They make peace arguments, financial arguments, power arguments, and moral arguments. Some of these arguments are fairly credible, and some strike me as really, really silly.

 

But I don't think it's easy to know what the world would look like if the US did not play that role. Nature abhors a vaccuum, and the world abhors a power vaccuum. It's not as simple as 'Everything would go on as before except that there would be more money and fewer soldiers associated with the US.'

 

So that is what I was trying to get at, in an apparently not innocuous way.

 

And in answer to your question, allies do tend to be interdependent, and that is all to the good. I don't, however, feel that most Western allies 'put up with the US's bases' as much as 'host mutually beneficial military sites largely staffed and funded by the US'.

 

Smaller countries are well aware that the US does not guard the world for free. But does the US realize the effect on the citizens of it's allies by military & policies that the US makes? Think of the bombing in Bali a few years ago. Bali isn't a big tourist destination for Americans, but it is for Australians & New Zealanders.

 

 

 

"This is not to suggest we should not strive for better relations with the US, as indeed with any other large power. However, such relations should be based on mutual respect and recognition of differences. We are quite capable of fighting terrorism without having to sign up to the "war" against it."---NZ Herald 6Jan11

 

 

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT anti-American. I am American myself by birth & up-bringing. My ancesters were on the 2nd voyage of the Mayflower & my family has a long history of fighting for the freedoms that the US was founded on. I have passed on my heritage to my children, but have encouraged them to look at current events with an open mind. I did not realize how much the news was censored (offically & unofficially) in the US until I moved overseas over 20 years ago. The American dream is great for America, but it isn't a quick fix for another country's problems.

 

My children are proud to be American, but they are just as proud to be NZers. They do realize that in many areas of the world it is safer to travel on their NZ passport & not advertise that they are American as well. I don't fly the American flag outside my house, because I don't want us to become targets for people here that have issues with America's international policy. I get enough of that when strangers pick up my accent. Not everyone believes that the American way is best.

[OrganicAnn]

Big and small, I don't think Americans understand how dependent we are on other countries. I think it is because of our geographic location where we only have two major neighbors. So our "image of ourselves" is independent.

 

But looking at things like 'vital minerals' - google it. Food. Financial markets. Manufacturing.

[Melissa in Australia]

Big and small, I don't think Americans understand how dependent we are on other countries. I think it is because of our geographic location where we only have two major neighbors. So our "image of ourselves" is independent.

 

.

 

:confused: not sure I get you.

Some countries like Australia, England and New Zealand are islands

 

the Op was asking the reverse question.

Edited January 8, 2011 by melissaL