The Decline of American Hegemony and the Emergence of Multipolar World Order
- The decline of American hegemony stems from its departure from liberal democratic values, while the economic and military rise of China presents a threat to the US-led global order.
- This shift signals a transformation in global dynamics, with implications for geopolitical stability and the balance of power.
The changing dynamics of the world order and regionalism have had an adverse effect on the existing fabrics of the society. The emergence of the US-led world order after the end of the Cold War era had brought many changes worldwide. However, the twenty-first century has been witnessing the decline of the unilateral world order ensued by the emergence of a multipolar world order. On the one hand, BRICS countries are challenging the US-led world order ultimately affecting the dollar-led economic system. Moreover, the Washington and Beijing’s Cold War 2.0 has also detrimental impacts on the peaceful future of the world. International relations, global politics and energy dynamics are changing. The use of alternative currencies by BRICS nations to undermine the hegemony of the dollar in the international monetary system with the rise of the China as the second-largest economy in the world have far-reaching consequences on the existing US-led world order.
The twenty-first century has been witnessing the decline of the unilateral world order and the emergence of a multipolar world order.
Furthermore, the recent escalation in the Middle East and the genocide of Palestinians by Israel after the Hamas’ attack further aggravated the international standing of the US globally. The blanket support given to Israel over its genocidal act in Gaza and the use of the Veto Power in the United Nations to support Israel undoubtedly polluted the humanitarian and liberal image of the US. Moreover, the recent unilateral moves of the United States have eroded the confidence in its leadership: the withdrawal from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal are making the US allies sceptic about her commitment and reliability.
According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2022, only 17% of respondents in 16 advanced economies have showed their confidence that the US president will do the right thing regarding world affairs. The complex challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and economic inequality, require collective action and leadership. The perception that the United States is retreating from its traditional leadership role in addressing these challenges has created a vacuum and that other countries and international organizations are attempting to fill. Moreover, the internal mismanagements of the United States, such as political polarization and racial inequality have also made the world dubious about its efficiency in leading the way on the global stage. The January 6, 2021, case, when a violent mob broke into the US Capitol, promulgated a shock wave around the world, illustrating that even American democracy is in jeopardy.
One of the biggest developments in the 21st century is the emergence of new world powers, chief among them is China. On the back of its rapid economic growth and assertive foreign policy, China has already turned into a formidable opponent against the supremacy of the US. The World Bank estimated that China’s GDP surpassed that of the United States on a purchasing power parity basis, representing a symbolically important turn in the global economic tide. Moreover, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, one of the largest infrastructure and investment projects ever, spans across continents and has spread its influence across the developing world. With the mounting failure of the United States to stop conflicts and wars all over the globe, the order of the world under the hegemony of the United States undoubtedly showing the signs of decline. As a superpower, the US found itself in long and costly military interventions, like the Afghan and Iraq Wars, the US military and economic resources are not only profoundly impacting by these kinds of interventions, but also subduing the credibility of America’s capacity for the propagation and preservation of peace and security at global stage.
Theories that illuminate the diminishing role of the America include Declinism, which alludes to economic stalling, political polarization, and military overreach. Power Transition Theory points to the rapid rise of China as a challenge for the US hegemony. Multi-polarity Theory elicits a trend toward a world with multiple influential powers, such as India and the EU. Globalization and interdependency waters down the influence that the U.S. could wield on its own. Resource depletion and environmental constraining notions also explain the decline of the traditional dominance of the U.S.
Socioeconomic challenges and cultural change at home weaken U.S. global leadership position. More decisively, since there was no outright victory or lasting resolution of the wars, the image of US leadership was dented even further. As the wars continued unabated, so did anti-Americanism and anti-interventionism, especially from abroad but also from within had become a source of vulnerability for the US. All of these debilitated the moral leadership and influence of the US-led world order and opened the door to a more multi-polar and decentralizing system of global governance.
As the dynamics of global governance continue to shift, it is essential for policymakers, analysts, and citizens to understand the intricacies of the waning US-led world order. Though the United States might remain at the pinnacle as an international power, its influence is being reshaped by a growing influence of new global powers, shifting alliances and partnerships, and challenges to leadership. Strategic foresight, cooperation, and multilateralism in this transition will be required if shared humanity challenges are to be collectively resolved by Earth’s inhabitants in the 21st century.
The author is an independent researcher having keen interest in foreign policy, geopolitics, and international relations.
