中产消费和美国“霸权”：我们要如何超过美国？

Core Viewpoint - The article argues that the foundation of American hegemony lies not only in military and technological superiority but significantly in the vast consumer market created by the American middle class [5][8]. Group 1: American Hegemony - The U.S. has maintained its hegemonic status for decades, supported by a large middle class and the consumer market they generate [5]. - The Bretton Woods system established the dollar's status as the global currency, which continues to influence global economics even after its collapse [5][8]. - The U.S. government has imposed over $340 billion in fines on foreign companies through long-arm jurisdiction over the past decade [6]. Group 2: Characteristics of the Middle Class - Approximately 50%-60% of the U.S. population belongs to the middle class, with household incomes ranging from $52,200 to $156,600 for a family of three in 2021 [8]. - The middle class primarily consists of office workers, technical staff, teachers, and nurses, with annual incomes between $50,000 and $150,000 [8][9]. - Most middle-class families own homes but may carry mortgages or car loans, reflecting their economic status and consumption patterns [9]. Group 3: Economic Impact of the Middle Class - The middle class's spending focuses on education and healthcare, which are less sensitive to economic fluctuations, providing stable market demand [10]. - Regional differences in the middle class's economic standards are significant, with higher income thresholds in states like California compared to Mississippi [13]. - The large consumer market supports U.S. companies, enabling them to remain competitive globally [14]. Group 4: Global Influence and Trade - The U.S. is the world's largest importer, with imports reaching $3.2 trillion in 2023, giving it leverage in trade negotiations [15]. - The U.S. often uses market access as a bargaining chip, threatening to restrict access to compel concessions from trading partners [16]. - American consumer culture and lifestyle are disseminated globally, shaping perceptions of the "American Dream" [18]. Group 5: Future Considerations - The article suggests that to surpass the U.S., other countries must enhance their consumer capabilities and address potential financial risks within the U.S. economy [19][20].