Most Americans still believe that America is one of the greatest countries in the world, but it’s plagued by issues that threaten its reputation as “the shining city on the hill.” Polarization, eroding civil liberties, and deteriorating mental health are some of the 18 reasons why America may not be the greatest country in the world.
Political Polarization
America has suffered from an increasingly polarized political landscape over the last decade, especially since the 2016 election, which has decreased bipartisan cooperation. There’s a decline in trust in political institutions and elected officials. The Pew Research Center reported last year that public trust in the federal government is “near record lows.”
Deterioration of Infrastructure
America’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transportation, needs upgrades and repairs. The Biden administration has implemented billions of dollars of spending on infrastructure, but it is lagging behind America’s competitors, especially China. The recent collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore highlights infrastructure developed for smaller boats, trains, and vehicles.
Declining Global Influence
Other nations, notably China, challenge America’s dominance in global affairs and point to the country’s problems as a byproduct of dysfunctional democracy. America’s military interventions in the Middle East post-9/11 and its recent disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan have damaged its international reputation.
Environmental Degradation
America’s slow response to climate change and the skepticism of some Republicans threaten the global effort to combat rising temperatures. Urbanization and industrialization also threaten wildlife and biodiversity across the nation.
Issues with Gun Control
America has a uniquely high rate of gun-related deaths compared to other developed countries. Suicides account for over half of these deaths, and the country struggles with school shootings more than any other country.
Erosion of Civil Liberties
Brookings notes that the country is experiencing “two major forms of democratic erosion in its governing institutions: election manipulation and executive overreach.” Since 2010, American state legislatures have passed laws that aim to “reduce voters’ access to the ballot, politicize election administration,” and shut down electoral competition with extreme gerrymandering.
Challenges in Innovation and Technology
Other countries are leading in emerging technologies, including 5G and renewable energy. While America is at the forefront of the development of AI, regulatory and financial hurdles are impeding the growth of startups and innovation that will push the industry forward.
Social Fragmentation
Over the past decades, divides based on race, religion, and political ideology have grown among some Americans. The increasing trend of working from home has also led to a declining sense of community and increasing social isolation.
Decline in Educational Standards
The Hill recently reported that hopes that K-12 math scores would rebound after plummeting during the COVID-19 pandemic “have proven vain.” They’re the “worst they’ve been since the 1970s.” America is lagging in STEM and data literacy rankings globally.
Deteriorating Mental Health
There has been an alarming increase in anxiety, depression, and suicide rates in America, with 50,000 Americans taking their lives in 2022. A lack of widespread access to affordable and effective mental health care, along with a persistent stigma, is hindering individuals from seeking help.
Consumerism and Materialism
High consumption levels have been shown to lead to unhappiness in the U.S. Due to the culture of consumerism, Americans are widely accepted as living in debt, which has led to environmental degradation from unsustainable consumption patterns.
Immigration Challenges
Immigration, particularly illegal immigration at the southern border, is a highly divisive issue in America. Challenges in integrating immigrants and avoiding a rise in xenophobia are significant issues, as is reforming immigration policies when Democrats and Republicans can’t reach an agreement.
Rising Income Inequality
Over recent decades, the income disparity between the wealthiest and the poorest in America has grown significantly, as has the gap between poorer and richer areas. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported last year that “geographic income inequality has risen more than 40% between 1980 and 2021.”
Education System Inequities
Unequal access to quality education for students in poorer, marginalized communities, particularly in inner-city areas, is a significant problem in America. Persistent underfunding of these schools and disputes over curriculum content also reflect broader cultural wars.
The Opioid Crisis
Widespread addiction to opioids has plagued America since the 1990s, and today, deaths from overdose are among the leading causes of injury-related casualties in the country. Aggressive marketing of opioids by pharmaceutical companies in the 1990s led to thousands of deaths and lives ruined by addiction. The rise of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, over the past decade, with imports from China and Mexico, has compounded the problem.
Erosion of Healthcare Quality
Despite high spending, the American healthcare system isn’t known for being the most effective and struggles with significant administrative overheads. KFF notes that in “2022, 25.6 million nonelderly individuals were uninsured,” primarily “because the cost of coverage was too high.”
Economic Vulnerabilities
America’s persistent trade deficits with key global partners and adversaries, as well as a growing national debt and concerns over fiscal sustainability over the past decade, have led some to worry about economic vulnerability. However, the economy is doing well, with low unemployment levels, rising wages, and inflation falling.
Media Polarization
Over the past few decades, there has been increasing polarization within the media, with news outlets devoting more airtime to opinion shows catering to specific ideological audiences. The news media in America plays a significant role in shaping political views and is partly responsible for the polarized political climate.
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