What the hell happened to America? The United States’ influence and credibility on the world stage have been gradually declining before our eyes.
But, wait. This is America we’re talking about – the unrivaled global superpower that for much of the 20thcentury, dominated economics and geopolitics and secured its place as the undisputed leader of the Western world.
True, but in the last few decades, the world has changed.
America’s foreign policy missteps and the rise of new global powers, namely China, have challenged the US’ position in the international community.
US Influence Declining Due To The Rise Of New Global Powers
If you’ve been paying attention, you’d know that China and the European Union are now stepping into roles once traditionally held by the US.
China, for example, is offering trade agreements and security guarantees and are eager to capitalize on the US’ declining influence.
US influence is declining also because many countries around the world are also lessening their reliance on America.
For example, China’s influence is growing in Latin America and the Caribbean.
According to the Council on Foreign Relations, China currently ranks as South America’s top trading partner and the second largest for Latin America as a whole, after the United States.
Since the early 2000s, China’s state-owned enterprises have been major investors in the Caribbean region’s infrastructure and hotels.
There’s been a great deal of economic engagement in countries like The Bahamas, where Chinese interests have been funding hotels and road infrastructure programs.
The Caribbean has welcomed these gifts, loans and assistance with open arms.
It’s especially timely considering that the US has reduced its investments across the Caribbean region.
India has also emerged as a major player in the global arena and has gained a great deal of influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Trump Administration’s Chaotic Foreign Policy Angers Allies
America’s political polarization, not to mention the Trump administration’s unpredictable and at times, chaotic foreign policy, have also done it no favours.
It’s also led the US to withdraw from international agreements and start trade wars with some of its closest geographical allies, Mexico and Canada.
In the past two months alone, President Donald Trump has imposed and suspended tariffs a head-spinning amount of times.
Trump’s tariff wars forced those both Mexico and Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs and exchange sharp words.
Earlier in the tit-for-tat tariff spat, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said, “If they want to try to annihilate Ontario, I will do everything – including cut off their energy with a smile on my face.”
He then announced a 25 percent tax on electricity exports to New York, Minnesota and Michigan.
Both sides later reversed course.
As the world watches this political telenovela play out, European countries are shoring up their own resources so that they can operate with more autonomy. Translation: without needing America so much, if at all.
How The International Community Views The United States
Another point to note is that the United States has changed how it engages with the international community.
Let’s examine the US’ withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
On January 20, President Trump signed an executive order, Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements” to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement and other climate-related financial commitments.
The executive order instructs the US’ UN ambassador to submit a formal written notification to the UN to withdraw from the agreement.
However, the withdrawal won’t take effect until one year after notification.
Europe Views This Withdrawal As The US’ Lack Of Commitment
Scientists have long warned that a warming climate will cause communities around the globe to face increasing risks of wildfires, heat stress, sea-level rise and unprecedented levels of flooding.
For many European nations, climate change is a top priority.
So, America’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, was seen as a lack of commitment to one of the most pressing issues facing the planet.
The UK, Germany and France have all questioned whether they could continue to depend on the US as a leader in the fight against climate change.
In the United States, nearly 15% of Americans don’t believe climate change is real.
In fact, a study published in the journal, Scientific Reports, noted that climate change denialism is highest in the central and southern parts of the US.
More than 20% of the populations of Alabama, Mississippi, North Dakota and Oklahoma don’t believe in climate change.
America’s Double Standard
Another reason the US’ influence and credibility on the world stage is declining is due its hypocrisy in how it handles different conflicts – notably, the Israel-Palestine conflict vs the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Both invasions have led to widespread killing of innocent civilians.
But, the US continues to offer unfettered support for Israel, while condemning Russia, at least while the Biden administration was in office.
According to Politico, Washington’s “staunch backing for Israel’s war in Gaza likely hurt its popularity.”
Citing a 2024 Democracy Perception Index, Politico says, “America’s international reputation has taken a hit since early 2023, particularly in Muslim countries where Washington’s unwavering support of Israel in its war in Gaza has proven intensely divisive. Now, Europe is joining the trend.”
And according to Foreign Policy, the US’ “one-sided policy leaves Palestinians and aid workers vulnerable while Israel acts with impunity.”
These inconsistent approaches have not done America any favours.
Looking For Alternatives To US Leadership
The reality is the US is not the force it used to be and its influence and power on the world stage appears to be waning.
Many countries, like India, for example, are looking to form partnerships with countries like Russia and China, in addition to the US.
Responsible Statecraft, the online magazine for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft warned that Trump shouldn’t overestimate US influence on the world stage.
“The United States has been at risk for some time of overestimating its influence internationally by clinging to experiences from the past,” the article said.
“In the immediate aftermath of World War II and following the implosion of the Soviet Union, Washington exercised virtually unchecked power and influence due to circumstances that no longer apply. Other powers decimated in WWII have recovered, and new powers have emerged. The return to a multipolar system is taking shape.”
In the end, I see an America that is definitely at a crossroads. The challenges I mentioned not only threaten its stability and prosperity, but its global standing.
The good news is, all is not lost. America still has a change to fix the damage it has done, but the road to recovery won’t be quick or easy.
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