“All of history’s previous superpowers have eventually declined. The emergence of East Asia as the center of the world’s economic output was always going to reduce American influence.
The transition from one global age to the next is seldom evident in the moment. When Russia invaded Ukraine four and a half years ago, the potential of mass-produced drones had not yet become clear. As recently as February, few experts would have predicted that the United States—a global colossus for more than 80 years—would end up so hamstrung by Iran.
But the conflict reveals something important: The American age has come to an end. U.S. global dominance cannot continue without the power sources that brought it about.” — Phillips Payson O’Brien*
#USA / #GlobalDominance / #SuperPower / #AmericanAge <https://theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/09/trump-iran-superpower-decline/688639/?gift=cg1XdqsyWjCIPVWKLR2XU35kLOwuFImrlXJ5z3Ab--M> (paywall)
* Professor Strategic studies, University of St Andrews, Scotland.
