The Soviet Union's military power has surprised the United States, and Slay lists some examples before turning to the decline of the U.S. economy. Slay points out that industrial productivity is the major cause of the decline. He notes how the U.S. productivity growth rate has fallen behind that of other nations, which he sees as the result of low capital investment in modern industrial plants and insufficient effort in research development. Slay also raises the issue of quality control of products. He stresses on the importance of quality, which is important to consumers. He explains how Japanese industries have succeeded in the U.S. because of their high quality standards. Lastly, Slay reasons that effective leadership in U.S. government, military, industry, and education sectors is the best method to bring positive change to the U.S. economy.