] By JARED DIAMOND
] Published: January 1, 2005
]
] Los Angeles -- NEW Year's weekend traditionally is a
] time for us to reflect, and to make resolutions based on
] our reflections. In this fresh year, with the United
] States seemingly at the height of its power and at the
] start of a new presidential term, Americans are
] increasingly concerned and divided about where we are
] going. How long can America remain ascendant? Where will
] we stand 10 years from now, or even next year?
]
] Such questions seem especially appropriate this year. History
] warns us that when once-powerful societies collapse, they tend
] to do so quickly and unexpectedly. That shouldn't come as much
] of a surprise: peak power usually means peak population, peak
] needs, and hence peak vulnerability. What can be learned from
] history that could help us avoid joining the ranks of those who
] declined swiftly? We must expect the answers to be complex,
] because historical reality is complex: while some societies did
] indeed collapse spectacularly, others have managed to thrive for
] thousands of years without major reversal.

A new year's opinion piece in the New York Times by my Pulitzer-winning cousin, Jared Diamond. I haven't read it yet so can't say whether or not I agree with it. But hey, he's family. :) Overall, this looks like a summary of the material that's going to be in his upcoming book.

- Elonka