L.A. Expert: Has America Lost Its Mojo?

Hachigian presents a list of ten reasons for her conclusion. They include, "American leadership is vital, and everyone knows it," "Previous bouts of self-doubt have proved unjustified," and "Primacy isn't what it used to be." The latter entry features the observation, "Land grabs are a waste of time and money."

Hachigian's final reason is titled, "We still have fundamental strengths." She writes:

"America doesn’t have nationwide broadband, consistent cell coverage, high-speed rail, or large-scale solar, though we need them. But it does have a high tolerance for failure, which encourages zany and sometimes very profitable ideas. We also have deep and broad capital markets that reward risk, although hopefully no longer in crazy financial instruments; great universities; creativity; diversity; and a willingness to embrace anyone who works hard."

In addition to her CAP work, Hachigian is the author of The Next American Century: How the U.S. Can Thrive as Other Powers Rise and the ex-director of the RAND Center for Asia Pacific Policy. She also blogs for PBS.

Photo Credit: The image accompanying this post was taken by Flickr user Beverly & Pack. It was used under Creative Commons license.