By definition, a superpower is a nation that can project force and shape events globally. In recent years, America’s ability to act as a superpower has been sorely tested. Right now, the question is whether the U.S. has the power to stabilize Baghdad. If we can, the mission in Iraq may yet be salvaged. If we can’t, on what basis do we continue to call ourselves a superpower? And what would be the likelihood that we’d be able to prevent the rise of a new totalitarian superpower – oil-rich, nuclear-armed and using terrorist groups to project its power globally? More thoughts on this here.