The United States has it's issues, but I'd hate to imagine the world today without the USA. Say what you want about foreign policy/internal stupidity and past racism. We're still a shining beacon of freedom and democracy (knock on wood). There's a reason why people of all cultures and religions flock here. They want a better life.

China has the means and the will to become a grave threat to the world. North Korea is dangerous, but I doubt it will ever become more than what it is now. Japan and South Korea, along with US island bases have the most to fear. If North Korea ever fired off a missile, they're finished.

^^^

as someone who almost married a chinese girl, i hate attitudes like yours

why do you assume china cares to rule the world etc?

right now we live in a world that is ruled already

china just wants to make money, its not a grave threat to the world. get real.

In China, you are not allowed to talk about the student protests 20 years ago on the Tianmen place, just to name one of a lot of threats to human rights in China. If they start using this behavior in foreign policy, the world has a problem.

 I'd rather not have a country that squashes it's people whenever they disagree with the government become a world power. Making money and growing is great. Not factoring human rights into the equation is not so great. In the US, the people have the right to question their government's choices. We can say whatever we want about our idiot politicans, and vote in new ones. Can you say the same about those in China who disagree with their government's policies or those persecuted minorities?

I am real. Sorry to disappoint!

You didnt mention how they supported democracy by putting dictators in almost every country that was too socialist for them, but I guess that that people dont matter since they are monkeys that didnt know what was best for them, am I right?

The US is certainly not the worse in the world, but dont put them as if they were the best. Being better than china is not a great acomplishment.

Also, I know you changed your president, but the last guy was the one who said "you are with us or with the terrorists" or something like that, thats not a good comment either, glad ricardo lagos, our president in the time we where in the defense thing in th UN said they werent going to support an invasion.

The funny thing is your argument actual makes the USA seem like the most likely choice - i.e. if it's that influential then it is also the greatest point of potential instability; rather like the idea of a Keystone without which the entire bridge would fall down.  For example many would argue that the current economic instability has its roots in the USA and that therefore the USA is a potentially huge source of instability.

I'd don't think its the USA myself, but that was my thoughts reading your comment.

OT more directly, clearly North Korea's history doesn't look too good, and I'd certainly rather it wasn't pursuing its current course, so I guess I'd have to plump for NK if I was to cast a vote (which I guess I am).

Really though this isn't the best way to think of such things; it's simply not as simple as 'they're the trouble makers'.  Every country today is pretty much the end result of conflict and territorial wars.  Even the USA.  There is no shiny white country I can think of, and most have embaressing periods in their past.

"You didnt mention how they supported democracy by putting dictators in almost every country that was too socialist for them, but I guess that that people dont matter since they are monkeys that didnt know what was best for them, am I right?"

The people don't matter because they are monkeys? I hope you're not implying that I have this mindset lodged in my mind. That would be a rather unfair assumption, no?

"The US is certainly not the worse in the world, but dont put them as if they were the best. Being better than china is not a great acomplishment."

So in your opinion, who is the best? Just curious. In my mind, the ideal country would be one that promotes religious and cultural freedoms. One that has a fair justice system. How many countries are you innocent until proven guilty, and have right to a fair trial? Might be surprised. Not many countries out there are founded on things such as a bill of rights. International aid. I know one country that donates more than any other. UN funding too, unfortunately. Perhaps I'm rambling on now. :|

"Also, I know you changed your president, but the last guy was the one who said "you are with us or with the terrorists" or something like that, thats not a good comment either, glad ricardo lagos, our president in the time we where in the defense thing in th UN said they werent going to support an invasion."

I believe the people of Iraq deserve freedom from tyranny and genocide, and I do believe the US could have went about that in a way that was not nearly as destructive. You're right. The comment, "You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror." was not the best choice of words.

Here is what came directly before that sentence.

"A coalition partner must do more than just express sympathy, a coalition partner must perform," Bush said. "That means different things for different nations. Some nations don't want to contribute troops and we understand that. Other nations can contribute intelligence-sharing. ... But all nations, if they want to fight terror, must do something."

 I think it has been taken out of context. This statement was made not long after the World Trade Center was hit and thousands killed. Terrorism is something that is universally hated and feared. What country would not want to do more to stop it?  Don't interpret that as support for Bush, or his policies, because it's not.

I think a certain economic crisis gives a big hint...

@Wockaroo : about not many other countries have a bill of rights, here in canada we have a charter of rights and freedoms

and dare i say it, a better life than usa perhaps, when you ask whos better

i could think of a few i might say are better

things is tho its different state to state
very different being in detroit than say hawaii (been to detroit) so some parts are awesome in usa, some are less awesome potentially.

China/USA. The world can only be made unstable by having two opposing superpowers, having one superpower is stable but two always seems to lead to competition.

To be honest though, there isn't any real threat to world stability at the moment. China is growing but the fact that Europe (an economic superpower) and the USA (an economic and military superpower) are reasonably close (despite their disagreements) meaning that the situation should remain fairly stable with the West remaining the dominant superpower.

North Korea and Iran aren't threats to world stability, more just to regional stability.