THE AMERICAN PROBLEM

The American problem is essentially based on the re-distribution of world resources in the postwar period, requiring a re-evaluation of this country's influence in world affairs. Mr. Wesson thinks our influence is now half what it was and that the future may see our influence halved again...He ticks off these resources--of the land, of the people, of our institutions, noting the shifts, in particular that of our strategic geography. He compares industrial growth with that of nations under democratic and other systems, weighs the effects of our foreign aid to backward or undeveloped nations. He explores the nature of power and its magnetism and the strategies (preventive or hotter cold war, alliance, isolation, etc.) to maintain a peaceful world order. He sees readjustment according to changing strength a necessity, and feels that multi-polarity, not bi-polarity in the balance of power needs to be effected. While he reasons with care, he does not give particular attention to the recent dissension between Moscow and Peking which might alter the bi-polar balance. However, the overall view is thoughtful, to be considered.