Predictions and Reflections on America at 250
Experts share how changes in American leadership, alliances, and global engagement shaped the nation’s first 250 years—and what the current moment reveals about the next.
On July 4, 2026, the United States will mark 250 years of independence.
In the years since the Founding Fathers declared the nation’s “right to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances [and] establish commerce,” the United States has strived and struggled to lead in the world. It has built international systems and abandoned them. Championed free trade and implemented sweeping tariffs. Declared wars and promoted peace. Under 45 presidents, America has defined and redefined its global identity.
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs invited experts and thought leaders from across the Midwest, the United States, and around the world to share how changes in American leadership, alliances, and global engagement have shaped the last 250 years—and what the current moment tells us about America’s next chapter.
"The American people will prosper and see further significant gains in wealth as other nations rise and climb toward their potential."
From The World’s Fortunes Are Not a Zero-Sum Game
Continue reading
Lord Jim O'Neill
Distinguished Nonresident Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"Looking ahead to America’s next century of statecraft, alliances must be reimagined to reflect new realities."
From The World American Alliances Were Built for No Longer Exists
Continue reading
Ambassador Julianne Smith
Distinguished Nonresident Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"Perhaps self-discovery is the work that lies before the United States as it enters its 250th year."
From America Must Decide What Role It Wants to Play in the World
Continue reading
Paul Poast
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"The United States is uniquely placed to enhance its global economic advantages. It can best achieve this through a strong, collaborative partnership with its North American neighbors."
From A Strong USMCA Will Be Key to US Economic Success
Continue reading
Julián Ventura
Nonresident Distinguished Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"Clarity, rather than volatility, should define America’s posture in the world in its 250th year, and beyond."
From Clarity, Not Volatility, Should Define America's Posture in the World
Continue reading
Paul Staniland
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"Whether by choice or by force, American and European futures will continue to be bound together."
From The Unshared Futures of the United States and Europe
Continue reading
Armida van Rij
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for European Reform
"The future of electricity and transportation is clear, and the electrification revolution will continue with or without the United States."
From The World Is Going Electric, with or Without the United States
Continue reading
Joshua Busby
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"Even in seeming retreat, America remains globally consequential as it prepares to enter its 250th year."
From Even in Retreat, America Will Remain Globally Consequential
Continue reading
Alexander Cooley
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"America has gone through phases in the past, and it retains the capacity for reinvention."
From America: The Prodigal Friend
Continue reading
Suzanne Nossel
Lester Crown Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"American history suggests that when it comes to US foreign economic policy, the status quo should never be taken for granted."
From Perhaps the Pendulum Will Swing Back
Continue reading
Dan Drezner
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"For the first time in a very long time, American leaders will have to learn how to operate in an international political system that it does not and cannot easily dominate."
From Geography, Choice, and Power Will Define America's Future
Continue reading
Craig Kafura
Director, Public Opinion and Foreign Policy, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"As America moves into its next 250 years, what will become of American secularism?"
From America at 250: A Nation Under God?
Continue reading
Ariel Schwartz
Executive Director, Global Leadership Programs, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
"America can certainly lead in this new era, but a leader needs followers."
From Technological Change Will Upend Our Understanding of National Security
Continue reading
Rachel Bronson
Senior Advisor, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
"While the 250th is certainly a time to celebrate (birthdays matter), a national conversation about America’s next steps is essential."
From In Its 250th Year, the US Has the Opportunity to Lead
Continue reading
Leslie Vinjamuri
President & Chief Executive Officer, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
