In any era, each time, there are different protagonists, but they are all playing the same familiar game on a similar board. Like a game of Monopoly, there are nations competing to become the foremost leaders of their time. When the influence and might of these countries transcends the confines of their boundaries, thus making them a presence throughout the world, they become empires. At times, it seems as though one of these empires wins the game, becoming the undisputed superpower in the world. Today, there is one such nation that has outlived all of its rivals in the great game: the United States of America. The variations in global leadership depend heavily upon the changes of global political economy, as well as competition between existing superpowers and regional superpowers. Change of global political economy and competitions between great powers have been key factors in Global leadership within hegemonic cycles in the past, and will continue to be so in the future. Indeed, it is a trend that has held true throughout history. When a dominant empire declines, another empire emerges to replace it. "Rome replaced Carthage, Ottoman Turkey replaced Byzantium, Britain replaced France, and America replaced Britain. Mongolia replaced China, and China replaced Mongolia." (Soc 5, lecture). …
