The Waning Giant: America in the Age of BRICS and Multipolarity
By Mohamad Hammoud
Introduction: The Fading American Dream
There was a time when the United States stood as a shining city upon a hill—a symbol of progress, innovation, and unrivaled global leadership. It prided itself on a flourishing democracy, robust institutions, and rule of law. But today, that image is fading. America no longer leads in areas where it once set the global standard. Its democratic institutions are faltering, and its global stature is declining. A recent op-ed by David Leonhardt in The New York Times called for public mobilization to remove President Donald Trump from office—a once-unthinkable development in American politics. Though the decline has been long in the making, Trump’s presidency made it more visible and hastened the fall of the United States as the world’s unchallenged superpower.
The Golden Age: When America Led the World
In the decades following World War II, the United States embodied modernity and global leadership. Its cities were architectural marvels. It created the internet, pioneered personal computing, and built a space program that landed men on the Moon. The US dollar anchored the global financial system, and its cultural exports—Hollywood films, jazz, rock 'n' roll—defined global tastes. Institutions like Harvard and MIT attracted the world's brightest, securing America's lead in science and technology.
America's military was unrivaled, its alliances vast, and its moral authority respected. It led in manufacturing, innovation, education, and healthcare. The world followed America's lead, and its system of liberal democracy was seen as a model worth emulating.
The Shift: BRICS and the Rise of the Rest
As the 21st century unfolded, the global landscape began to shift. At the forefront of this change is BRICS—an alliance of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—which has recently expanded to include nations like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE and Indonesia. BRICS+ represents approximately 54.6% of the global population, or about 4.4 billion people. In comparison, the G7 nations account for just around 10% of the world's population.
BRICS challenges the Western-dominated order by establishing alternative institutions like the New Development Bank and discussing de-dollarization in global trade. These countries are no longer content to follow; they seek to lead.
The Cracks in the Foundation: America's Growing Deficits
The decline of the US became more apparent in recent years. Infrastructure that once symbolized progress now appears outdated. The tallest buildings are no longer in New York but in the Middle East. While China has constructed the world’s largest high-speed rail network, the US lacks even a single comparable line. American roads, airports, and public transit systems lag behind those of Germany, Japan, and Singapore.
In manufacturing, the US has ceded ground. Once the world's industrial hub, it now relies heavily on imports, while China has become the largest manufacturer and exporter. America's share of global GDP has dropped from over 40% post-WWII to around 15%. China has overtaken the US in GDP by purchasing power parity and is closing in on nominal terms.
Decline in Innovation, Education and Healthcare
Though American universities remain prestigious, public education performance is declining. Nations like South Korea, Finland, and Singapore outperform the US in standardized testing. In healthcare, despite the highest spending per capita, the US lags in life expectancy, maternal mortality, and other key indicators.
Technological leadership is slipping. While Silicon Valley remains relevant, China is leading in 5G, e-commerce, digital payments, and artificial intelligence. In space exploration, China and India have made groundbreaking achievements, including lunar landings and independent space stations. America no longer dominates even the final frontier.
Geopolitical and Financial Shifts
The US dollar's dominance is under threat. BRICS+ members are trading in local currencies and gold, sidestepping traditional Western financial systems. The appeal of the dollar and institutions like the IMF and World Bank is eroding, weakening US economic leverage.
Diplomatically, America's credibility has declined. While once seen as a stabilizing force, its foreign policy has become erratic. Many nations now turn to China or regional blocs for partnerships, infrastructure investment, and mediation.
Trump and the Acceleration of Decline
Donald Trump's presidency amplified America's weaknesses. His foreign policy was marked by isolationism, unpredictability, and antagonism. Withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal signaled global disengagement. Tensions with NATO and trade wars with China sowed division without delivering results.
Domestically, Trump deepened political polarization and undermined democratic norms. The January 6th Capitol riot starkly revealed the fragility of American democracy. Internationally, it damaged the image of the US as a stable, mature democracy and reliable partner.
Conclusion: What Comes Next?
The 21st century was expected to be another "American Century." Instead, it may be remembered as the moment America began to cede its global leadership. As China rises, BRICS expands, and the dollar’s dominance erodes, the world is increasingly moving beyond American influence.
The transition to a multipolar world is underway. The question now is not whether the US remains the sole superpower—it clearly does not—but how it adapts to this new reality. Whether America can rejuvenate its democracy, rebuild its infrastructure, and redefine its role in the world will determine whether it remains a major power or continues its gradual descent.
One thing is clear: the age of unquestioned American supremacy is over. The world is watching to see what will take its place.
