A forecast for the 21st century: George Friedman. ANU, May09

[@09smitel]

people need to remember that Friedman is not saying that these things will happen; all he is saying that is if historical patterns continue as they have, these are the events that will most likely happen.

[@kentucy9999]

I read The Next Decade which I thought was brilliant. Of course everything he foresees isn't going to come true exactly as he foresees it but his reasoning is based in rational and coherent thought and not any emotionalism. The United States was and remains by far the strongest country on the planet and likely will remain so for the future. There are many reasons for this including our dominant military, complete control of the sea lanes and because of our "physical" isolation also.

[@boresightlock]

George Friedman is awesome! Somehow, he reminds me of a cross between George Bush Jr and Robin Williams.

[@GunsNRosesbitches]

I disagree. Turkey is the most advanced muslim country in the world and it is the only secular muslim country I know of. Other than that, it has the largest and most advanced economy of any muslim country, sits at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, and has a military more powerful than anyone in its region. Turkey is without a doubt already a power and in a position to assume an influential role in the region.

[@KarlMartell732]

His mimic reminds me on GW Bush.

[@MrMichaelwolsen]

good observation Boresignflock

[@matThaHatter]

@LCTesla OK, I apologize. I thought I'd heard enough to answer you, but I hadn't reached the important bit. Again, I THINK the answer is that although China makes and sells tons of stuff, they BUY MOST OF THE MATERIALS, & SELL MOST OF THE PRODUCTS to the US, Australia, UK, etc. If we simply stop buying & selling w/them, we can bring their economy to a halt. Hope that helps.

[@chefawkes]

isn't this the guy who predicted a U.S japan war in 1991? can't take him too seriously.

[@Ollie9402]

He doesn't take into account any of France's assets. It's population growth is by far the highest in Europe (not much lower than Turkey's). I don't understand why he says the French "certainly can't take on the Turkish military, only the British might", since French and British military spending is equal. I would predict France will at least take over Germany's place in the EU's driver's seat.

[@ClarksonsinUSA]

AWESOME, I read the book...................

[@YNot1989]

He's just a LOT smarter.

[@tayf85]

France has more than double Turkey's spending power but they have a lot of catching up to do. Turkey: ---------- Fit for service: 35,005,326 Active Military: 612,900 Active Reserve: 429,000 Total Land Weapons: 69,774 Tanks: 4,246 APCs / IFVs: 6,592 Total Aircraft: 1,940 Total Navy Ships: 265 France: ---------- Fit for Service: 23,747,168 Active Military: 362,485 Active Reserve: 419,000 Total Land Weapons: 10,621 Tanks: 406 APCs / IFVs: 8,468 Total Aircraft: 1,757 Total Navy Ships: 289

[@ClarksonsinUSA]

Todays drones in Afghanistan and Iraq,will shape the world of tomorrow in homes and in factories through civilian applications in the years ahead..

[@AdstarAPAD]

Ummm 40 nuclear warheads delivered by ICBM's would just about finish Japan off in an hour.

[@FXThug]

Republic of Wal mart lol.

[@Crackhouts]

See what he did? Osama is unsophisticated. I like it.

[@Turkiyey]

Its at least not without merrit

[@LCTesla]

what i don't get is how he first claims that the cost of labor is going to skyrocket and then dismisses China, of all places, as a major candidate for being a superpower. wtf?

[@SkullKing11841]

@KarlMartell732 Yeah there both from Texas haha