Another American Century?

In a recent West Point commencement speech, “President Obama said that the U.S. will remain the one indispensable nation in the century to come… ‘America must always lead on the world stage… If we don’t, no one else will’” (Washington Post, May 30, 2014). However, “The Global Times, China’s state-run nationalist-leaning newspaper, later published an editorial and challenged that view, asking, ‘America wants to lead the world for another 100 years, but with what?’” (ibid.). 

“The editorial went on to say that America was not powerful enough to support its ‘luxurious dream’ of leading the world, arguing that America was ‘greedy for all kinds of power’ but lacks ‘a big heart,’ which is ‘a key factor to be a leader.’” China clearly desires the spot as the world’s leading nation (ibid.). But which nation will lead the world for the next 100 years—the U.S., China, Russia, Germany, or someone else?

Bible prophecy shows that a European Beast power with links to the ancient Roman Empire—and likely led by Germany—will soon lead the world for a short period. It will dominate world trade (Revelation 18:1-13) as the U.S. quickly fades from the scene (Isaiah 9:13-14; 10:16-17; Jeremiah 6:26). But after 3½ years, Jesus Christ will return as “King of kings” to become the indisputable world leader (Daniel 2:44-45). Thankfully, this dream “is certain, and its interpretation is sure” (v. 45).

For more about who will lead the next century, read our informative article, “Is This China’s Century?”