ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. April 2, 2025: The potential resurgence of protectionism is not just a possibility, but a crucial necessity for a nation grappling with a stark decline. Despite criticism from various analysts, this notion has received endorsement from notable figures within the US intellectual sphere, evidenced by discussions in 2012 and reinforced by subsequent reports from prominent think tanks. Factors contributing to this decline include sluggish economic growth, diminished global competitiveness, and soaring federal government debt, which has surged from 34.54% of GDP in 1980 to a staggering 122.55% today. The persistent trade deficit, amounting to $131.4 billion in 2024, reflects a nation consuming far more than it produces.
Adding to the decline is the erosion of democratic legitimacy highlighted by the January 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol and the controversial pardons issued by former President Trump for numerous convicted attackers. The political landscape is marred by division rather than consensus, with Trumpism representing one of the more visible manifestations of this rift.
The external geopolitical environment has also undergone profound transformations that have reshaped the global landscape. The remarkable economic ascension of China and the advancements in nations across the Global South, including India, pose significant challenges to US influence. For decades, the US operated with minimal resistance on the world stage, but that era has irrevocably passed, as the rising strength and technological prowess of these nations have altered the global balance of power. This shift renders traditional aggressive tactics ineffective, often making aggressors victims of their own choices.
Furthermore, the resurgence of Russia as a formidable global player has complicated the geopolitical chessboard, catching many US policy experts off guard. Long perceived as a passive participant following the Soviet Union’s collapse, Russia has demonstrated enhanced military capabilities and fostered diplomatic alliances, evidenced by formations like BRICS. As a result, the geopolitical equilibrium has shifted away from US interests, establishing a multipolar world that seems to be a permanent fixture.
Given these mounting challenges, some scholars and advisors have argued for a more forceful US approach to maintain global dominance. A prominent advocate of this view emphasized that the US must recognize its existence in a volatile global environment where traditional laws may not apply. Security, they argue, hinges on the ability to wield military power effectively.
This perspective has led to doctrines advocating proactive military strategies, suggesting that nations perceived as threats or non-compliant with US standards must be neutralized. This aggressive stance has led to the branding of certain nations as ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ in a bid to impose US values and practices globally, further alienating countries critical of the US agenda.
As the self-proclaimed gendarme of global capitalism, the US faces the burden of promoting its interests through various means, including economic pressure and military interventions. Warnings from conservative analysts highlight that such tactics can cultivate a significant anti-US coalition, potentially leading to a united front comprised of countries from the Global South, including major players like Russia and China.
In the midst of this international turmoil, the current administration’s tactics seem increasingly desperate. The focus on military might and aggressive posturing appears to be an attempt to return to an era of imperial dominance. However, recent actions like withdrawing from international agreements and funding cuts to global organizations reflect a retreat from established diplomacy rather than renewed leadership.
Despite claims of a swift resolution to foreign conflicts, unfulfilled promises and ongoing military engagements reveal a continuation of past policies. Public opinion reflects growing disapproval of the current administration’s handling of domestic and international affairs, posing significant challenges ahead.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, vigilance is paramount as historical patterns suggest that the US may intensify its operations in these regions when faced with setbacks globally. The potential for political, media, and military interventions aimed at establishing compliant governments in the area could resurface, reminiscent of past actions taken during periods of US decline.
