Increasingly, the threat of world dominance by China is used as a 'scare tactic' to raise an alarm to the faltering place of the U.S. in the world economy. However, while the U.S. faces major challenges, China also faces considerable obstacles in its upward economic trajectory, particularly given its low levels of personal spending, dependence upon exports and with political concerns about its human rights record and government corruption. .
The United States remains one of the most powerful nations in the developed world. Its per capita GDP is $49,800. However, this figure alone does not explain the entire 'picture' of the U.S. economy (USA, 2013, CIA Fact Book). There is a growing divide between the very poor and the very rich which could lead to problems such as political unrest, resentment, and insufficient demand for goods and services. "Since 1975, practically all the gains in household income have gone to the top 20% of households. Since 1996, dividends and capital gains have grown faster than wages or any other category of after-tax income" (USA, 2013, CIA Fact Book). The CIA Fact Book blames the increased technological complexity for this discrepancy, which creates a divide between 'haves' and 'have-nots' in terms of education and skills. .
Although the power of the U.S. economy is undeniable, many recent economic problems have had a significant, negative impact upon it, indicating it is far from impervious to harm. "Long-term problems include stagnation of wages for lower-income families, inadequate investment in deteriorating infrastructure, rapidly rising medical and pension costs of an aging population, energy shortages, and sizable current account and budget deficits - including significant budget shortages for state governments" (USA, 2013, CIA Fact Book). But despite the political divisions riddled through its government, the U.
