A Specific Challenge That Confronted the US in 1974-1999 - Essay Example

America became restless to defend this position to appoint involvement in the war as seen in the Persian Gulf War and the craving to influence the Middle East and its oil supplies (Patterson, 2005).                                                                                      

 The most significant challenge of the 21st century and why

 Terrorism: It diverted attention from crucial domestic issues e.g. education, economy, and Social Security to war against terrorists (after the president decreed War on Terror). The terrorism claimed many lives (approximately 3,000 people, more than that of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 died), it led to war in Afghanistan and later Iraq, and economic recession lastly followed; different industries, employment opportunities, and oil prices were affected.  These led to a vast financial crisis the Americans have had since the Great Depression.

The challenge that will have the greatest impact on the future

Financial fall down: Financial fall down is a breed of many problems in a country. It is said that since the terrorists attack to date, the US is in debt for 14.3 trillion dollars. In addition to debt, the unemployment rate, poor health care, slow development rate, and downfall of the GDP may be experienced, and even the strength of the US dollar against other currencies may be lost. All these may weaken the US drastically.