The prospect for an American Renissance
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problems brought to light by the crises; without a long-term and new strategy, it is creating false long-term expectations.

Only a new paradigm can lead us to a new strategy; yet a new vision does not have to reject our identity. This new paradigm can complement the context of globalization and foundational principles of this nation: educated democratic participation, association and collaboration, accountability, frugality, modesty, honesty and “a decent respect for the opinions of mankind.” The latter will help us become a learning global nation, which will allow us to learn from Japan’s and China’s dominant linkage of finance to the real economy, from the banking practices of Canada to better regulate our financial system, from Norway’s medical insurance plan and from the nations who excel in moderation and moral values.

Yes, let us continue giving credit to American innovation and individualism. But let us balance them with wisdom and the overarching goal of the common good. We’ve demonstrated capacity to unleash powerful forces; now we need to “see” sufficiently and to learn how to manage these. The complexity and paradoxes of a globalized reality call for a paradigm of complementarity — seeing through this prism, we can create the results we truly desire!

Hector Garcia is a consultant on international trade and investment and on intercultural communications. This article is copyright (C) 2009 by the American Forum.