Where is the United States headed?

No doubt, that's a question you've asked yourself over the past few years, whether Democrat, Republican, Independent--or just disgusted with the state of politics. As uncivil dialogue spikes across the political spectrum, and the media act as an echo chamber to the growing din, it's harder for us to think clearly about the state of our Union. Politics are tapping directly into our emotional centers, including the role that addictive social media now play in our daily lives. As our society fragments, we ironically feel more on the front lines of political debate than ever before.

Let me invite you to take a step back and conduct an objective-minded net assessment of the future direction of America. Applying strategic foresight tools, from trends analysis to scenario planning, my colleagues at A.T. Kearney's Global Business Policy Council and I have monitored a key basket of indicators to gauge the likeliest future for America on July 4, 2026, when the country marks its 250th anniversary. I invite you to take a look at our latest "America@250" findings.