The “RealEcon 2024” tour reveals citizens’ concerns and Washington’s new bet
Leading force in the global economy – that was the position of the United States for decades after World War II. With strong manufacturing, stable international institutions, and political prestige, America played a leading role in the global economic system, enjoying growth and international influence.
But, according to the Council on Foreign Relations' recent RealEcon 2024 national tour, this picture is no longer a given for Americans themselves.
Post-war dominance and gradual questioning
In the decades after the war, no one questioned the economic hegemony of the United States. But already in the 1970s, the domestic reality began to change. Citizens saw industrial jobs decline, the cost of living rise, and inequalities widen.
At the same time, Washington's prestige was undermined by a series of crises and institutional failures:
•Energy crises
•Financial crisis 2007–2009
•COVID-19 pandemic
These events reinforced citizens' distrust of the country's global choices.
The dilemma of the new era
Despite the difficulties, the US's international economic presence continues to yield significant strategic and economic benefits. But at the same time, it also creates risks: job losses, vulnerability to global crises, and growing social tension.
The challenge for Washington is now to redesign its international economic strategy. It needs a new model that:
•will ensure benefits for citizens,
•will limit social impacts,
•and will enjoy wide social acceptance.
RealEcon: A national… listening tour
As part of this effort, the RealEcon: Reimagining American Economic Leadership program was launched, an initiative of the Council on Foreign Relations.
The goal: to capture in real time the opinions, concerns, and suggestions of American citizens from all states. Not from think tanks and the halls of Congress, but from the voice of everyday America.
Early indications show that the public:
• Recognizes the need for a global presence,
• but wants a fairer distribution of benefits,
• greater protection of the internal market,
• and less dependence on unstable international factors.
America at a crossroads
2024 is a crossroads year for the US. Its role in the global system is being reassessed. Public trust must be regained through action and transparency.
The question remains: Can America once again become a global economic leader with social cohesion within itself?
The answer may lie not in the G20 and international institutions — but in the voices of ordinary Americans who are being heard, for the first time in a long time, louder than ever.
From the journalistic team of Greek News and Radio FL
Source: Council on Foreign Relations – RealEcon Listening
Written by: Greek News and Radio FL –
photo credits, https://pixabay.com
