Declinist narratives about the fall of America have proliferated in recent years as domestic challenges have intensified and China’s influence has grown. But don’t dismiss American power just yet, argues political scientist Joseph Nye – it has risen from difficult times before, and is well-placed to do so again. This article is based on Joseph's new memoir 'A Life in the American Century'.

In February 1941, just before World War II,  TIME/LIFE publisher Henry Luce baptized this “the American Century.” For eight decades, I have lived in it as an academic as well as a public intellectual.  With five years as a political appointee in the State Department, Pentagon and Intelligence Community, I spent enough time in Washington to witness American power up close, and occasionally play a part in it.

Some say that the American century is over. But are rumors of American decline greatly exaggerated? Yes and no. Decline can be relative and absolute. For example, Britain and the Netherlands were close competitors early in the 17^th century, before British naval power outstripped the Netherlands, but the Dutch economy, society and art remained strong. American power has declined relative to the rest of the world, but it still remains the richest and most powerful country with geographical and social facts that would give any global challenger a run for their money.