At 250, Israel needs an angry America to rediscover its way - opinion

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the nation grapples with a significant paradox: unparalleled global power contrasted with deep internal dissatisfaction and political dysfunction. Despite leading in economic, military, technological, and cultural spheres, many Americans express pessimism about their country's future and question the health of their democracy.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that 38% of Americans doubt the U.S. will remain a single country in another 250 years, while Gallup found less than half believe in equal opportunity for the American dream. While political polarization is often cited, the article argues the core issue is the political system's inability to represent three broad constituencies through only two parties. A large, pragmatic center, representing roughly half the population, feels increasingly marginalized.

On key issues like abortion, border security, gun control, economics, and environmental protection, Americans' views often cluster closer to the center than political discourse suggests. Similarly, foreign policy consensus, including support for alliances and American leadership, persists among the public, though the current political structure incentivizes ideological extremism over broader appeal. This dynamic empowers party activists and makes compromise politically risky.

The article suggests this internal political struggle has consequences for international affairs, including the historically strong bipartisan support for Israel. The author posits that this consensus, once a bedrock of the U.S.-Israel relationship, is strained by current political dynamics, particularly with the current Israeli government.