ABSTRACT
We are now in a transition to a more multilateral world, one in which there will be less talk of an American empire or American hegemony. There is thus much discussion about the rise of so-called “aspiring powers,” also called BRICs (referring to Brazil, Russia, India, and China) and how their influence might shape international relations.1 Although we believe that the importance of the BRICs has been exaggerated and the supposed demise of U.S. power has been overstated, it is still important to consider if a more multilateral world, presumably influenced more by BRICs, would also mean a more liberal world in which cosmopolitan values are better implemented. In other words, if American exceptionalismunderstood as exceptional virtue-has proven mostly a myth, will the future look better when less dominated by Washington? Sadly, our conclusion is “no.”
