America in 2040: Still a Superpower?

image
Published: 02 Dec, 2020
1 min read

The Honorable David M. Walker joins T. J. O’Hara on Deconstructed to discuss his latest book: America in 2040: Still a Superpower? A Pathway to Success. Mr. Walker is a distinguished professor at the United States Naval Academy and the former Comptroller General of the United States and CEO of the United States Government Accountability Office under Presidents Clinton and Bush (#43).

Mr. Walker book explores the current trajectory of the United States in comparison to China, India, and other emerging powers. Over the next 20 years, will our Nation retain its position as the world’s only superpower, or will it be joined (and even passed) by other countries? He shares his opinion of what will happen if nothing changes as compared to what may happen if the United States evolvers in certain ways.

Mr. Walker also provides advice to the whomever will be serving as President of the United States during the next four years; citing three critical issues that will need to be addressed. He discusses the reality of taxation proposals and the addiction to spending that is dramatically expanding our Nation’s debt. COVID-19 only exacerbates the problem.

Then, T.J. queries Mr. Walker on a variety of issues including trade, energy, defense, and personal financial security. The two then discuss what economic and political recommendations should be considered to our nation’s future.

Mr. Walker’s book poses a serious question: Will the United States still be a superpower in 2040?  If not, why not? If so, what will it take to assure that it maintains that status. Listen to the show to find out and read Mr. Walker’s book to get the details.

You Might Also Like

Ballrooms, Ballots, and a Three-Way Fight for New York
Ballrooms, Ballots, and a Three-Way Fight for New York
The latest Independent Voter Podcast episode takes listeners through the messy intersections of politics, reform, and public perception. Chad and Cara open with the irony of partisan outrage over trivial issues like a White House ballroom while overlooking the deeper dysfunctions in our democracy. From California to Maine, they unpack how the very words on a ballot can tilt entire elections and how both major parties manipulate language and process to maintain power....
30 Oct, 2025
-
1 min read
California Prop 50 gets an F
Princeton Gerrymandering Project Gives California Prop 50 an 'F'
The special election for California Prop 50 wraps up November 4 and recent polling shows the odds strongly favor its passage. The measure suspends the state’s independent congressional map for a legislative gerrymander that Princeton grades as one of the worst in the nation....
30 Oct, 2025
-
3 min read
bucking party on gerrymandering
5 Politicians Bucking Their Party on Gerrymandering
Across the country, both parties are weighing whether to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Texas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, Utah, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia are all in various stages of the action. Here are five politicians who have declined to support redistricting efforts promoted by their own parties....
31 Oct, 2025
-
4 min read