The State of the Nation: A Reality Check on America’s Progress

I found this report very enlightening, and consistent with other recent assessments of the U.S.’s status, much of it describing decline.

Like many Americans, Douglas Harris, an economist at Tulane University, is deeply concerned about the quality of public discourse and media in the country. Misinformation, cynicism, and political polarization dominate discussions, making it hard for people to agree on even the most basic facts. Many Americans feel a deep frustration about the state of the nation — yet their perceptions often do not match reality.

In 2021, Harris decided to take action. He assembled a politically diverse team of experts to examine the country’s state clearly and data driven. His efforts led to the formation of a bipartisan panel of 13 scholars, each of whom has advised U.S. presidents since Bill Clinton. This team recently released its findings in State of the Nation: A National Progress Report.

The Economy: A Standout Performer

One of the report’s most striking conclusions is that the U.S. economy outperforms its global peers. Compared to European and Japanese economies, America’s economic strength is growing. Moreover, the U.S. remains significantly wealthier per capita than China or India.