red_dead on 21 May 2010
The USSR was another super power, so no the US are not the sole one even in recent history...
USA is a nation among others. Being 'exceptional' doesn't mean anything. If anything, Americans are exceptional in the fact they spend a lot more than they earn, which can't work on the long run. Borrowed money must be paid back one day.
It's likely you won't even see this question asked anymore as soon as China takes over, which is starting to happen now.
In the grand scheme of history, US supremacy will be remembered as relatively short (roughly 60 years) compared to ancient powers (Egypt, Greece, Rome...).
It's just it's our times, so we think it's the only period which matters. It's an illusion.
