We are growing more prosperous, and new technologies, medicines, and ideas are making our lives better. Still, the world remains dangerous. Here are five top threats to America in 2019.

1) A conflict with China over the South China Sea

Although President Trump and President Xi Jinping of China have a good personal relationship, tensions between our two nations are significant and growing. Aside from any economic developments, there is real potential for a military conflict between the U.S. and China in 2019. If conflict breaks out, it will almost certainly focus on the South China Sea. Determined to construct an imperial empire based on control of sea lanes and to attain a veto over the political choices of his neighbors, Xi is exerting an aggressive military posture. While the U.S. is challenging these efforts with increasing naval and air patrols through the contested areas, a miscalculation or Chinese escalation could lead to a broader conflict. It is crucial to note here that Xi is determined to see China lead a new post-American international order. He will not back down easily, nor shy from risks.