The post-World War II era saw the rise of two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, whose imperial ambitions shaped the global order for decades. However, as the 21st century unfolds, both nations are struggling to maintain their former glory. The United States, once the self-called leader of the free world (!), and Russia, the inheritor of the Soviet legacy, are now shadows of their former selves. Their attempts to reclaim their imperial past are not only futile but also highlight their declining relevance in a world increasingly dominated by China. The sum of their efforts is zero, as both nations fail to adapt to a new global reality where economic power, technological innovation, and multilateral cooperation define success.
The Futility of U.S. Control Over the Panama Canal to Influence China
One of the most glaring examples of the United States’ declining influence is its attempt to control the Panama Canal as a tool to counter China’s growing global presence. The Panama Canal, a critical maritime route, has long been a symbol of U.S. geopolitical power. However, using it as a lever to influence China is a strategy rooted in outdated thinking. China, now the world’s largest trading nation, has diversified its supply chains and invested heavily in alternative routes, such as the Belt and Road Initiative. The U.S. strategy is not only ineffective but also highlights its inability to compete economically with China.
Moreover, the United States is increasingly seen as a destabilizing force in global affairs. Its reliance on military interventions, sanctions, and covert operations has earned it the label of a “terrorist state” in the eyes of many nations. Unlike China, which focuses on infrastructure development and economic partnerships, the U.S. struggles to produce goods that can compete in the global market. Its manufacturing base has eroded, and its economy is overly reliant on financial services and military exports. This lack of productive capacity undermines its ability to wield economic influence, rendering its attempts to control strategic chokepoints like the Panama Canal meaningless.
China’s Technological Dominance vs. U.S. Decline
While the United States struggles to maintain its technological edge, China has emerged as a global leader in high-tech industries. China now produces cutting-edge CPUs, semiconductors, and other advanced technologies that are essential for the modern economy. In contrast, the U.S. has fallen behind in even basic manufacturing capabilities. For instance, the U.S. is no longer able to produce simple components like CPU fans, relying instead on imports from China and other countries. This technological dependence is a stark reminder of how far the U.S. has fallen from its post-war industrial peak.
China’s focus on innovation and self-reliance has paid off, allowing it to dominate key sectors of the global economy. The U.S., on the other hand, has prioritized short-term profits and military spending over long-term investments in research and development. As a result, it is losing the technological race to China, further diminishing its global influence.
The Decline of the USD and the Failure of U.S. Economic Policies
The decline of the U.S. dollar (USD) is another indicator of America’s waning power. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have overseen significant declines in the dollar’s value relative to gold, reflecting broader economic weaknesses. Trump’s tenure, marked by right-wing populism and divisive rhetoric, failed to deliver meaningful economic benefits for the majority of Americans. His policies, often characterized as political theater, did little to address the structural issues plaguing the U.S. economy, such as income inequality, declining manufacturing, and an overreliance on debt.
Similarly, the Biden administration has struggled to reverse these trends. While it has attempted to implement more progressive policies, the underlying challenges remain unresolved. The U.S. economy continues to underperform, and the dollar’s decline signals a loss of confidence in America’s ability to maintain its global leadership.
China’s Economic Dominance and the Opportunity for the EU
China now produces over 50% of the world’s goods, making it the undisputed leader in global manufacturing. Its economic rise has created new opportunities for nations willing to embrace multilateral cooperation. For the European Union (EU), this is the perfect time to strengthen ties with China. The U.S. and Russia, locked in a zero-sum alliance that benefits neither, are no longer reliable partners for the EU. By aligning with China, the EU can tap into a dynamic and growing economy, ensuring its own prosperity in a rapidly changing world.
The U.S. and Russia’s attempts to cling to their imperial past are doomed to fail. Their combined efforts amount to zero, as they lack the economic, technological, and moral authority to shape the future. In contrast, China’s rise offers a new model of global leadership based on mutual benefit and cooperation. For the EU and other nations, the choice is clear: embrace the future with China or remain tethered to the fading dreams of a bygone era.
Finally, the sum of two zeros is indeed zero! The U.S. and Russia’s efforts to reclaim their imperial glory are futile in a world where economic power and technological innovation define success. China’s rise presents an opportunity for nations to forge a new path, one that prioritizes cooperation over conflict and progress over nostalgia. The time has come for the world to move beyond the outdated ambitions of the past and embrace a future shaped by shared prosperity and mutual respect.
