On US Hegemony
Since the end of World War II, the US has mostly led the world in terms of power, keeping global peace and shaping international systems—this period is often called Pax Americana. But as of now, that era seems to be fading. America’s influence—economically, militarily, and culturally—is being tested by growing internal problems and the rise of other powers, especially China. Recent trends and numbers point to a shift in the world order.
Economic strength is key to being a global leader, and China’s rapid growth is a big part of what’s changing the balance. In 2025, the US economy is worth about $30.34 trillion in nominal terms, while China’s is $19.53 trillion. But if you adjust for what money can actually buy (PPP), China’s economy is about $35 trillion—bigger than America’s.
China is aiming for a 5% growth rate in 2025, according to the government’s latest plan. To support that, it’s running a budget deficit equal to 4% of its GDP. Initiatives like the Belt and Road are helping China expand its influence around the world and reshape how global trade and investment work.
By April 2025, the trade fight between the US and China has gotten more intense. The Trump administration has raised tariffs again in February and March. In response, China slapped tariffs on all US goods. These tit-for-tat moves are making economic relations between the two countries even more strained. Some experts think this could speed up the shift to a world where no single country dominates. Chinese media have been critical of what they call American “protectionism,” and Chinese leaders are showing no signs of backing down.
Military strength still plays a major role in global influence. In 2025, the US is spending about $850 billion on defense, while China is spending around $249 billion. The US has 292 navy warships, including 11 aircraft carriers. China, on the other hand, has a larger fleet with over 370 ships, but only 3 aircraft carriers. Chinese news outlets, like the Global Times, say the country is upgrading its military to handle modern security threats. Their defense budget is going up by 7.2% this year, continuing a trend of steady but modest yearly increases.
When it comes to advanced weapons, China is ahead in hypersonic technology—they already have some of these weapons in use. The US is planning to deploy its own version by the end of September 2025. America’s big advantage is its worldwide network of allies, especially through groups like NATO, while China’s focus remains mostly regional. Still, the competition—especially in the Asia-Pacific—is heating up fast.
Soft power is about winning influence through culture, values, and diplomacy rather than force. In the 2025 rankings by Brand Finance, the US is still number one in soft power, and China has moved into second place, overtaking the UK. American movies, music, and universities play a huge role in keeping its global appeal strong, even as the country faces political issues at home.
China is also gaining ground. It’s using things like Confucius Institutes and scholarships to bring in international students and share Chinese culture. But not everyone is convinced—research by the Pew Center shows people around the world are impressed by China’s tech progress, but aren’t as excited about its entertainment industry or everyday lifestyle.
What Might Come Next: Possible Alternatives to US-Led Order
Some studies show the world is moving toward a setup where power isn’t just concentrated in one or two countries, but shared between several big players—like the US, Russia, China, India, and the European Union. This idea is called multipolarity. But not everyone agrees. Some say only the US and China really count as global “poles” of power. Groups like Credendo warn that this kind of system might be more unstable, with more chance for conflict, especially as the US-China rivalry deepens.
The BRICS group—which now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia—is trying to stand up to Western influence. They’re pushing for alternatives to the US dollar in global trade, but they face problems too, like disagreements among themselves. Their bank, the New Development Bank, is trying to fund major projects to boost development. Chinese media are celebrating the expanded BRICS group, pointing out that together they make up half the world’s population and 41% of the global economy. They’re hoping BRICS can play a bigger role in running the global economy.
In 2024, Russia put forward an idea for a new security system in the Eurasian region—basically the huge area covering Europe and Asia. The goal is to create a more balanced system where all countries are treated equally and the US has less influence. China supports this idea. Talks within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional group that includes Russia, China, and others, suggest they want to build something that can rival Western military alliances like NATO. But it’s still unclear how much of this will actually happen or what real impact it will have.
Finding Our Way in a Changing World
The decline of US global dominance—what people call the end of Pax Americana—means the world is going through a major shift. Power is now more spread out across different countries, not just the US. Groups like BRICS and the proposed Eurasian security system are trying to offer new ways of running the world, but they face a lot of challenges, both inside and outside their own ranks.Now, it is more important than ever for countries to work together to solve global problems and build a future that’s stable, fair, and cooperative.
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Geopolits Research Desk
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