The Decline of American Hegemony: From Domestic Divisions to a Legitimacy Crisis
webangah News Agency, International Desk: The decline of American hegemony is no longer a pessimistic forecast by radical scholars; it has become an evident reality visible across all arenas. For decades, political thinkers and international relations analysts have discussed the fall of the United States. some have highlighted its excessive military expenditure and costly wars, others point to rising economic competition from emerging powers-especially China-and some emphasize America’s deep internal social crises. Though,few have addressed the basic dimension: that America’s hegemonic decline stems primarily from the collapse of its philosophical and identity foundations.
The global power of the United States in the twentieth century was never solely due to its vast economy or unmatched military might. washington established itself as the “leader of the free world” as of a carefully crafted image: a liberal nation founded on rule of law,tolerance,individual freedoms,and religious and political pluralism. This legacy drew from John Locke’s ideas and classical liberal thinkers who legitimized America and made it a model and leader in many eyes around the world. But these very principles are now unraveling; America is hollowing out more from within than being threatened from outside.
The United States has gradually moved away from those principles it once claimed to champion. Strict immigration policies closing doors to migrants and Muslims,enactment of discriminatory laws institutionalizing racial and ethnic divides,along with abandoning slogans that once gave moral legitimacy-all suggest America is no longer defending freedom or pluralism. Instead of fostering tolerance, it builds walls; instead of inspiring acceptance, it entangles itself in structural discrimination. this domestic crisis extends beyond immigration policy into economics where liberal principles are forgotten. Unchecked capitalism dominated by multinational corporations and profit-driven financial systems has destroyed social justice and equal opportunity-the core tenets originally associated with liberalism.An unprecedented wealth gap coupled with political control by a wealthy minority has effectively stripped American society’s liberal spirit.
Alongside these changes comes a spiritual crisis afflicting america as well. The country once positioned itself as “a nation under God” in both citizens’ minds and worldwide perception.The founders linked freedom to Christian faith-a spiritual foundation breathing life into American liberalism at its core. Yet today-as religion recedes from public life amid rising secular extremism-an ethical vacuum emerges within society profoundly hollowed out at its roots. Power devoid of spiritual depth resorts solely to hard instruments like military might-and such power erodes rapidly over time. This moral collapse weakens America’s global legitimacy far more than any economic or military challenge.
Meanwhile, as America drifts away from its foundational values, China-its primary rival-is capitalizing on this momentous shift. The great paradox today is that China’s single-party communist system pursues foreign policy patterns embracing multilateralism rhetoric grounded in pluralistic discourse instead of domination narratives used by previous powers.The Beijing goverment promotes “win-win cooperation,” emphasizing respect for cultural differences through initiatives like Belt & Road-not just economic projects but choice models for international relations.Chinese diplomacy attempts to portray Beijing not as seeking dominance but fostering mutual respect-a stark contrast with what appears today as America’s increasingly unilateral hegemonic posture despite claiming liberal ideals.
This shifting ethical landscape accelerates America’s hegemonic decline.The power once capable convincing nations through shared human values now relies predominantly on coercion supported by brute strength.Eventually this paradigm will give way to rules grounded genuinely in moral legitimacy.Because western supremacy rested not only on tanks or bombs but also ideas plus values-with erosion steadily turning spirit-less dominance into mere raw force.
Consequently,economic rivalry between washingtonand beijing enters anew chapter.America lacks any clear ethical advantage standing fully equal againstChina.Increasingly confident thanks tosustainedgrowthand appealing freshclaimsaround legitimate global leadership,the Chineseposition strengthens.IfAmericaonceclaimedtitleof”leaderofworldfreedom”,nowChina seeksproclaimitselfasa viable”alternativetoAfailingWesternorder”.internal divisions,intellectualvacuum,andfadingbedrock ideals bringtheUnitedStatesclosertothesettledownward trajectorymorethan everbefore.
The contemporary world shifts toward multipolarity.Europe struggleswith identitycrises impeding independent influence.Americadropsmorallyandpolitically.Asian risingpowers ledbychinafillthisvoid swiftly.These ongoingtrends confirmthatAmerican hegemonyisnolongerpure forecastbutmanifest factwithunfoldingevidence.Historyconsistentlyshowsno superpowerprevailsabsentmoralcredibility,andAmericawillnotbuckthisrule.evidently,todaytheformer”Americanliberalspirit”goneforeverwhilesignalingthecloseoftheUSgloballeadershipera.
Peyman Salehi
Senior International Affairs Analyst