If there is a global civilisation, it is America, dominating in military power, the export of its cultural products, the strength of its economy and the scope of its usable power. The question remains as to whether this hegemony can last. In this lecture Dr Josef Joffe (Publisher-Editor of Die Zeit and Contributing Editor to Time magazine) answers, 'No, but...' Firstly because though America domineers it does not seek to conquer for land and glory. Secondly, US power is 'soft power', less coercion than seduction of the willing towards US ideas and institutions. How then is 'soft power' contained? By 'soft balancing' of other nations, a recent example was the trio of lesser powers namely--France, Germany and Russia--who 'ganged up' on the US in their efforts to stop the war against Saddam Hussein. Though power exacts responsibility, it must also be balanced.