data/The_Decline_of_the_Sole_Superpower/The Decline of the Sole Superpower.txt

America's global dominance has been rooted in several key pillars, which are now evolving amidst a shifting global landscape. The US's dominance rests on the following pillars:

Economic Order and Institutions Led by the US
The United States has maintained its global dominance throughout history through a unique economic order that is based on capitalism and global economic institutions led by the US. America’s role as a global economic powerhouse was established after the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944, which laid the foundation of the modern international economic system. This created a set of economic institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and World Trade Organization.
These institutions have been used as a weapon by the US to assert its global dominance. One thing that makes these institutions handicapped is the dominance of the US dollar as the currency of global exchange. The United States has used this tool to engage and maintain its control across the globe. Moreover, the US has been the sole protector of the neoliberal economic order that has given it leverage in the capitalist democracies across the world.

Security Alliances and the Worldwide Military Presence
American policymakers believe in realism, and they have asserted US's global dominance through realpolitik. Military and security have been the cornerstones of this global dominance. America's list of things pertaining to the matters of national security is long.
It has worked to form military and security alliances across the world to protect its geopolitical and geostrategic interests. Since the start of the Cold War and throughout its entire course, the US survived due to its powerful military and the security alliances with like-minded partners. Moreover, it was America’s military prowess that interfered in a number of sovereign countries.
Security alliances like Quad, NATO, I2U2, AUKUS, BECA, and so on have given the US leverage over global affairs. Currently, the US has the most powerful military in the world, with over 450,000 active soldiers deployed in over 135 countries. Thus, America's military power is an important pillar that has made it a global policeman.

Policy of Containment
The US has often resorted to a containment policy against the countries that challenge its global power status. This policy was employed during the Cold War to prevent the spread of communism and arrest the USSR's growing influence. It proved to be successful, as the US succeeded in not only containing the USSR but also disintegrating it. Thus, this policy helped establish the US's global dominance in the post-Cold War era. Notwithstanding this fact, the world order has now become a multipolar one. But, the US is still following this policy to reap geopolitical and strategic dividends. The US has formed several alliances in various regions of the world to contain its rivals. In the Indo-Pacific, it has partnered with countries like India, Japan, South Korea, and Australia to contain China. Moreover, it also uses the sanctions to contain its rivals, Iran and North Korea being its prime examples. Currently, China, Iran, Russia, and the Global South are leading a new multipolar world order while the US is again engaging across the regions to contain these countries through its partners to maintain its great power status. This containment fear among the countries keeps global US dominance intact.

Hegemony on Technological Innovation
Another important pillar of America’s global dominance is its near monopoly over technological innovation. Although this monopoly started shaping a long time post-WWII, the United States invested heavily in the research and development sector, fostering a culture of innovation. Government initiatives, academic institutions, and private sector investment converged to establish the US as a global leader in technological advancement. Moreover, the world’s largest tech giants, like Meta, X (formerly Twitter), Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and others, share a common birthplace—the USA. Also, it leads the world in space technology through NASA. Furthermore, America is also leading the world in terms of artificial intelligence and robotics. These technological advancements give it an upper hand in global affairs.

Manoeuvring International Institutions
The United States has maintained its grip over global power by maneuvering international institutions in its favor. After World War II, it played a pivotal role in establishing international institutions to promote global stability, security, and economic cooperation. And it has historically exercised significant influence within these institutions, shaping their agendas, policies, and decision-making processes. Historically, the US has been notorious for exploiting these institutions, like the United Nations, World Bank, IMF, etc., for upholding its interests and punishing its rivals. Due to America’s excessive influence over these institutions, countries across the world think twice before going into a confrontation mode with the USA.

Challenges to America's Global Dominance
Today, the role of the US as a global power seems to be in flux. The economic and military rise of China has shaken the pillars of America’s global dominance. China has come with its own institutions, like-minded partners, and tech advancements. Moreover, Russia’s resurgence has also created new security dilemmas for the US in Europe. The most severe blow to America’s ambitions is the evolving China-Russia nexus. Both countries seek to challenge the international order based on the American interpretations. At present, the world is rapidly changing and becoming multipolar, where regional powers have resurged to shape politics in a way favorable to them. The rise of middle powers like Iran, India, Turkiye, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, and so on, is also challenging America’s hegemonic ambitions. The creation of alternative economic and military institutions like BRICS and SCO has challenged the dollar’s dominance and military might of the USA.

Conclusion
In a nutshell, the edifice of US's global dominance is built on a strong foundation. However, global power and dominance are always dynamic and ever-evolving. The rise of multipolarity and the emerging trends have brought new challenges to this long-held global superpower status. The global landscape is changing with the emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil gaining prominence. The rise of multipolarity and regional autonomy is redefining the balance of power. As a result, America’s global dominance is being re-evaluated, and new pillars of influence are emerging.