Although football (otherwise known as soccer in the U.S.) isn’t such a big deal for most Americans, for those living abroad it’s rather easy to become swept up into the frenzy surrounding the international event. The same passion and intense focus we Americans bring to the World Series, the Super Bowl or the recently completed NBA Finals is easily matched by the international energy and fan excitement inspired by the World Cup.
Despite the lack of cultural cache the sporting event holds in America, it nevertheless offers an amazing insight into the state of international relations as fans and players from around the globe are thrust into the spotlight, and sports chatter becomes mixed with political and cultural perspectives. Much in the same way the Olympics forces us all to be on our best behavior as global citizens, the World Cup tests our collective tolerances and sensitivities to cultures far different from our own.
As someone almost completely unfamiliar with international football, I’ve found the festivities being held in South Africa this year fascinating. From the apparently surprising success of the Japanese against Cameroon, to the much talked about draw between America and the UK, the international undercurrents resonating throughout these games almost feel like a report card on our universal state of civilized competition. Watching so many players, from so many different backgrounds and disparate political constructs fiercely compete, and then display a surprising amount of admiration and respect for one another after the final whistle is inspiring.
But while these summer games are indeed inspirational, the reality is that, from the very beginning, this kind of cultural fusion is exactly what made America the world leader that it is today. While not perfect by any stretch, with ongoing adjustments reflective of history’s shifting realities, America’s unique brand of democracy and business leadership continues to point the way toward a world in which cultural and ideological diversity in the service of innovation and improvement is celebrated, not muted.
Thus, in this issue we take a moment to acknowledge America’s national observance of the Fourth of July, Independence Day, a day commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. For many Americans, this day represents the true beginning of “the American dream” and reminds us of the core values and principles that forged the unique history of the nation.
Buttressing this theme, economist Jesper Koll asserts that, despite the recent economic tumult, America remains steadfastly in the lead position of business innovation (“In Praise Of America,” page 22), Ernst & Young’s Beth Brooke illuminates the benefits of paying attention to the diversity that has strengthened America’s corporate culture (“Leading The Change,” page 32), and finally John V. Roos, the United States Ambassador to Japan, graces us with a message of positive perspective as Japan plays host to the APEC summit (page 46). It is my hope that the messages of collaboration and innovation contained in the following pages inspire you all, no matter your national origin, to embrace the notion of independence through interdependence.
Adario Strange
Editor-in-Chief
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