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Dear Hunter,

This week my A.T. Kearney colleagues and I launched a multiyear initiative dubbed “America@250” that asks: what kind of nation the United States will be in 2026, when it marks its 250th anniversary? The Global Business Policy Council has carried out extensive research on the forces shaping the country’s trajectory over the next 11 years to inform four possible futures that examine a range of possibilities, some quite bright and others equally dark. Based upon our research, I believe that America is at a crossroads not unlike the most trying times it has faced in its history, from 1776 to the Great Depression and even the Civil War. Now is a critical moment for the country, and in particular the rising adult generation of the Millennials (those Americans ages 18-34).

This month on forbes.com, I discuss these four futures (http://onforb.es/1OFYoGS) and the core forces of geopolitics, technology, and the three generational cohorts (Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers), with Millennials likely playing an outsize role (commensurate with its dominant size) in determining where the nation ends up. The goal of our scenarios is to inform the conversation today so that we all might better comprehend where we might be headed, and hopefully, purposefully elect to pursue a more positive tomorrow.

As part of our research, we conducted focus groups across the country to talk with the dominant adult generations about the American experience. It was clear from our discussions that the Millennials have a challenging and uncertain future ahead. As I wrote in a piece (http://on.wsj.com/1RBlqw9) for our companion Wall Street Journal site, I believe that the challenge for leaders will be forging a more compelling vision for the next generation.

In opening a conversation around America@250, we hope to engage leaders in government and business in an active exploration of the near-term future and its implications. Eminent contributors have already started to participate in this vitally important dialogue on our website (https://www.atkearney.com/america250), where we explore different perspectives on the country’s outlook. I would like to encourage you, too, to get involved in the discussion virtually and through future events about which I will keep you informed.

As always, I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Paul

Paul A. Laudicina
Chairman Emeritus, A.T. Kearney
and Chairman of Global Business Policy Council

A.T. Kearney, Inc.
1300 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 1550
Arlington, VA 22209
+1 703 562 4100 Direct

Executive Assistant
+1 703 562 4085 - Danitza Mendez

Connect with Paul
http://www.global.atkearney.com/rs/ct.aspx?ct=24F76A15D6E50AEDC1D180AFD029911FDCBE6A8FE2BF38FB6FCE