Experts warn that America's post-Cold War dominance is fading fast. In February 2026, great powers like China and Russia actively challenged the U.S.-led global rules, sparking a shift from unipolar control to multipolar rivalry.
This happens amid President Trump's return, the ongoing Ukraine war, and rising Taiwan tensions.
The change spans UN veto battles, South China Sea disputes, and economic decoupling. Think tanks like the Council on Foreign Relations highlight how military buildups and fractured alliances erode the dollar's power and NATO's unity.
The trend accelerated since Russia's 2022 invasion, cracking the rules-based system under rival blocs.
Great Powers Rise, U.S. Rules Fade: Is America's World Order Ending?
China's GDP now approaches U.S. levels, and its Belt and Road Initiative connects 150 nations while outpacing IMF aid.
Russia circumvents Western sanctions through oil sales to India, and BRICS expands with Saudi Arabia's membership.
Meanwhile, the U.S. national debt has reached $36 trillion, which weakens its ability to enforce the trade rules it once established.
Fractured Global Rules Signal Multipolar Shift
The UN Security Council remains paralyzed over Ukraine and Gaza, as vetoes reach record highs.
The WTO faces gridlock because Beijing ignores its rulings. In the Indo-Pacific, AUKUS competes against ASEAN divisions, and U.S. strategic pivots fail to stop Xi Jinping's island-building efforts.
China Russia Challenge America World Order
Moscow and Beijing's "no limits" partnership accelerates hypersonic weapons and an AI arms race. U.S. allies like Germany increase trade with China despite repeated warnings.
President Trump's "America First" policy cuts foreign aid, which allows rivals to expand influence in Africa and Latin America.
U.S. Decline Great Powers Rise Explained
Post-1991 U.S. hegemony depended on 40% of global military spending and the dollar's 60% reserve dominance.
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Rivals now hoard gold and promote yuan swaps in trade. NATO shows signs of fraying as Europe pursues greater strategic autonomy.
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