America's influence in the world is about to wane over the next decade-and-a-half, according to a new U.S. intelligence report.
The National Intelligence Council says that in the coming years, China, India, Russia, Brazil and other emerging economies will reshape the international economic and military order.
"In terms of size, speed, and directional flow, the transfer of global wealth and economic power now under way -- roughly from West to East -- is without precedent in modern history," according to a NIC report entitled "Global Trends 2025."
"Growth projections for Brazil, Russia, India, and China indicate they will collectively match the original G7's share of global GDP by 2040-2050 ... If current trends persist, by 2025 China will have the world's second largest economy and will be a leading military power."
The authors of the report also goes on to say that China may become the world's largest importer of natural resources and its biggest polluter. They add that India will "enjoy relatively rapid economic growth," striving for a mulitipolar world in which "New Delhi is one of the poles."
The report also offered stunning predictions about population growth around the world.
"Asia, Africa, and Latin America will account for virtually all population growth over the next 20 years; less than 3 percent of the growth will occur in the West," the NIC reported.
The NIC's "Global Trends" reports are released every five years, outlining the NIC's analysis about the global economy, military issues, and terrorism. The latest report notes that the U.S. will remain a dominant force in world events, but its relative influence will decrease.
In addition to its prediction that emerging economies in Asia and Latin America will be bigger international players in the years ahead, the report also suggests that terrorism may wane.
"Islamic terrorism is unlikely to disappear by 2025, but its appeal could diminish if economic growth continues and youth unemployment is mitigated in the Middle East," the report said.
The report notes that America's relative decline in dominance doesn't mean the U.S. will be sidelined altogether. The NIC says that the international community will still look to Washington to use its military force to counter global terrorism.
"On newer security issues like climate change, U.S. leadership will be widely perceived as critical ... At the same time, the multiplicity of influential actors and distrust of vast power means less room for the U.S. to call the shots without the support of strong partnerships," the report noted.
