The problem is not that the world is changing - this is called evolution, and will never stop. The problem is how good you are to adapt to the change.
So far the US have been better than the EU in the new wave of globalization - just the successful "indirect" devulation of the worlds most important currency without turning it into a new world recession have been impressive (and very expensive) to witness.
The energy price is one of the problems where the US goverment failed short term, but in the future I think corporation between the EU and US - ex. the recent market deregulation agreement, will jumpstart the investments in this sector - maybe in 25 years the world energy map have changed drastically, along with who controls it (no more hostage taking by OPEC etc.)
The consumer debt in the US is a problem, but without it most of the world´s economies would be in a standstill - I´m not sure how to improve it without making people "pay"
