Persuasively argued, as always. Yes, under hegemonic stability theory, Kindleberger wrote convincingly how in the 1930s the world needed the US to be global hegemon but that the US was reluctant to serve. And, yes, the world today again needs benevolent global leadership. But perhaps now it is US incapacity rather than reluctance that keeps it from global hegemony. http://dannyquah.wordpress.com/2014/06/27/it-is-not-easy-being-leader-of-the-world/