The end of Pax Americana?

Two millennia ago, the Western world was in a state of uneasy peace, commonly referred to as Pax Romana. This peace was brought about by the region's only superpower, an entity powerful enough to give pause to nations thinking about independence. While this peace led to an explosion in literature, culture and technology, it did not last long.

As the Roman Empire collapsed under the strain of supporting a morally—and financially—bankrupt society, this state of uneasy peace came to an end, throwing the region into chaos. History is repeating itself.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th Century, the world enjoyed another uneasy peace. This time two superpowers stared each other down resulting in an explosion of technology. As the Soviet Union collapsed, the United States remained in place as the world's only superpower and policeman. While we should not pretend that the United States has been perfect in its policing of the world, it is clear that the strength of America has provided a level of stability for the world. The latter half of the 20th century was far more peaceful than the first half.

Like Rome before it, the United States is in a state of moral decay. While in the midst of an economic crisis, people are not spending money on houses and cars anymore, yet there is no shortage of people willing to spend for pornography and drugs! As a result of this decline in moral standards, the United States has bankrupt itself and is now unable to act as a referee on the world scene.

Since the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon, the United States has found itself in a constant state of war, fighting in both Afghanistan and Iraq. On June 7, 2010 the war in Afghanistan ended its 104th month, making it the longest war in American history (USAToday.com, May 28, 2010).

Now we find the Arab world on the brink of total chaos, and the United States is nowhere to be seen to keep the peace. This startling commentary was posted by Newsweek magazine on January 28th of this year:

"The Middle East is erupting—and the U.S. is watching from the sidelines. Unable to guide the course of events, it can do little more than cheer for its sclerotic allies and hope that popular anger does not sweep them aside" (NewsWeek.com, January 28, 2011).

What a sad commentary on a nation that once stood toe to toe with another global superpower and prevailed! America has been unable to support allies in Tunisia and Egypt both of whom have fallen, and the world has noticed that the reach of the United States is becoming limited. As the United States continues to fall, watch for an increase in protests, uprisings and wars around the world. Remember the words spoken by Jesus Christ that there would be "wars and rumours of wars" (Matthew 24:6). Or, as Luke's account reads "when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately" (Luke 21:9).

Long-time readers of Tomorrow's World magazine know that the fall of the United States has long been prophesied, and that knowing exactly who the American and British peoples are is essential in understanding Bible prophecy. If you have not already done so, read online or order our free booklet titled The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. This book offers vital information in understanding why America's time is coming to an end, and explores the wonderful fact that a better world is coming!