Tyler Cowen's "The New Invisible Competitors"

In THE WILSON QUARTERLY, Autumn 2007 issue, Tyler Cowen writes of "The New Invisible Competitors." Cowen starts by giving us an example of 'romantic competition' as it existed in the 1930s, telling us that "most romantic competition occurred within small groups of people who knew one another." Because of this closeness, "romance was full of heartbreak and anxiety" but the upside was "you knew who your rivals were and who was beating you."

Now, however, "romantic competition has radically changed." Competitors are no longer the neighbors but remain "invisible, the rivals faceless." The romantic competitors are invisible because they are often rivals via internet dating services. And this sort of competition is now true in the marketplace as well as the bedroom.

The invisibility of the competitor makes us anxious, contends Cowen, and this anxiety "feeds the backlash against international trade" (despite economists assuring Americans that the "benefits of trade outweigh the costs.")

Cowen says, "Let's look at individuals." The most likely individual to gain "in this new world" of invisible competition is the person who is a planner "far in advance" and who is also a self-starter, not needing others to prod him or her into action. The planner's "underlying psychology" is not to "trounce the competition," but to order his or her "own reality."

"Early risers will also be favored." This is the person who is "first to use a new idea" and is often a "farsighted innovator."

"Nervous personality types...may also catch a break," writes Cowen. "As more and more people find themselves able to minimize personal contact by working via the Internet, the smart but anxious set will move to a more level playing field."

But, the person with imagination will gain the most in this new world of invisible competition. This person is "blessed with the ability to imagine a new way..."

Finally, the person who can reinvent him or herself due to understanding the "popular culture" of the time and how it is changing will do well in this new world of invisible competition.

Cowen states that "the rise of invisible competition has implications for nations," too. "The rest of the world often sees the United States as the deadliest source of invisible competition." This is due to Americans having a competitive spirit, a strong Protestant work-ethic, and a pioneering mindset.

Chris Buck (photo credit)