Intelligence Report Predicts Increased Strain On Natural Resources, Declining U.S. Influence

Washington, DC (AHN) - Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people by 2025, will put great strain on the world's natural resources, especially energy, food and water, and demand may outstrip supply, according to a recently declassified U.S. intelligence report.

The report, "Global Trends 2025: A Transformed World," was drafted to brief policy makers about factors that will likely shape international conflicts and trends in the coming decades.

It was released by the National Intelligence Council on Nov. 20, and among its major findings was that the United States will remain one of the most influential powers, but countries like China, Russia, Brazil and India will see their influence and power significantly increase.

China is expected to wield the most significant amount of economic and military influence out of those countries, the report states. The nation will be the United States' biggest rivals. The whole national structure, established after World War II, will be revolutionized by an unprecedented transfer of wealth from West to East, according to the NIC.

And with this transfer of wealth will be a desire to provide a consumption-oriented western lifestyle to a growing population, which will put an increased strain on the world's natural resources.

The report says to also expect continued and increased turmoil in the Middle East, raising the possibility for world conflicts. And the United States will likely continue to play the largest military role in the global war against terrorism, although its ability to bilaterally call the shots will be diminished, according to the report.