The unparalleled economic and military strength of the United States continues to drive American leaders toward making extreme decisions aimed at reshaping the world according to the desires of America and its allies. Comparing American power to that of other great powers in both the present and the past often pushes American policymakers to the brink of madness.
Despite closing hundreds of bases in Iraq and Afghanistan recently, the U.S. still maintains about 800 military bases in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, according to "Politico." In contrast, Britain, France, and Russia combined have only around 30 bases outside their territories.
On the economic front, the United States' GDP reached approximately $27.36 trillion in 2023, representing about 24% of the global economy. This means nearly a quarter of global economic activity is generated by the U.S.
The arrogance of power led a former U.S. president and presidential candidate like Trump to promise expanding the territory of the Zionist entity to make its defense easier! As if the world is an American estate to be manipulated at will.
Lessons Unlearned
Undoubtedly, America's military and economic power infects a considerable portion of its thinkers and politicians with unprecedented arrogance in human history. They see themselves as demi-gods capable of doing whatever they please to the world and fail to learn from past lessons.
If the excessive force backed by America, as used by the Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has turned Gaza into ruins and now extends to Lebanon to kill more people and destroy institutions and social norms, similar actions were undertaken by Nixon and Johnson in Vietnam, leaving them dragging the tails of defeat. The same happened with George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, Vietnam did not bow, Iraq did not surrender, and Afghanistan inflicted a humiliating military defeat on them.
A Changing World
The world of the early 21st century differs greatly from that of the first half of the 20th century, whether during World War I, the Sykes-Picot era, or the aftermath of World War II.
During the 1920s, the American economy saw significant growth, with GDP rising from $687.7 billion in 1920 to $977.0 billion in 1929. This period, known as the "Roaring Twenties," was characterized by rapid industrialization, technological advancement, and increased consumer spending.
After World War II, the American economy continued to grow, with GDP reaching $300 billion in 1950 and exceeding $500 billion by 1960. This economic boom, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Capitalism," saw widespread prosperity and significant expansion.
Asia during that time was not the Asia of today, neither economically nor militarily. Japan was defeated and submissive, and the rest of the continent was struggling for independence.
Fierce Economic Rivalry
Today, Asia stands as an economic power that could collectively surpass the American economic giant. China alone, the second-largest economy in the world, has a GDP of approximately $18.5 trillion, representing about 15% of the global economy, followed by Japan at $5.5 trillion and India at $3.9 trillion.
Asia's nominal GDP totals approximately $40.65 trillion, with a purchasing power parity value of around $78.84 trillion. This means Asia accounts for about 37% of the global economy in nominal terms and around 72% when measured by purchasing power parity.
Africa and Latin America, too, are struggling to break free from imperial domination and are on the verge of achieving economic independence, which will shake the world.
As for the Arab world, the combined GDP of Arab countries stands at approximately $3.5 trillion, with a nominal purchasing power value of $8.4 trillion. This positions the Arab economy at about 3.2% of the global economy in nominal terms. The Arab people are discontent with American hegemony and will not remain silent for long against its role in perpetuating their backwardness and dependency.
Arab uprisings against Zionist arrogance, supported by America, will not cease until all forms of occupation, dominance, and plundering are eradicated.
The BRICS Challenge
The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) together represent a significant portion of the global economy, collectively accounting for about 35% of the world's GDP when measured by purchasing power parity. This makes them a major global economic power, surpassing the G7 in combined GDP. BRICS was established specifically to challenge American economic hegemony, primarily through strategies such as de-dollarization.
De-Dollarization
Among its announced economic, social, political, and cultural objectives—such as economic cooperation, development financing, political coordination, and cultural exchanges—de-dollarization stands as the most critical goal, one that will reshape the world.
De-dollarization is a significant step toward achieving financial sovereignty and reducing dependence on a dominant currency. This movement has gained considerable momentum as countries seek to reduce their exposure to potential economic sanctions and dollar-value fluctuations. The push for de-dollarization stems from the desire to achieve financial sovereignty and minimize reliance on a single dominant currency.
The development of alternative payment systems, such as "CIPS" and the "Mir" payment system, is a significant accomplishment. Initiatives like the "BCBPI" and other regional payment systems are expected to bolster the global financial landscape.
While the challenges and considerations associated with de-dollarization are significant, the long-term benefits of achieving financial independence and reducing exposure to potential economic shocks make the endeavor worthwhile.
A Failure to Understand Reality
The evidence is overwhelming that the ground is slipping beneath America's feet as it continues to violate all norms, laws, and humanitarian values. Efforts to escape American dominance persist.
However, many political decision-makers in the U.S. and "Israel" remain convinced that they can sustain hegemony and control by fostering chaos and power vacuums. From their perspective, chaos and power vacuums will lead to the emergence of states and societies aligned with the preferences of Israel's right-wing rulers. But as Thanosys Kambanis, a senior fellow at the Century Foundation, notes, history proves otherwise. Direct occupation may suppress resistance temporarily, and total destruction may defeat rebellion. However, mass killing and displacement will never suffice to solve the political and security problems facing "Israel." Instead, they are likely to exacerbate these problems in the long run.
Comprehensive war may occasionally achieve its declared goals, Kambanis adds, but at a horrific cost in lives. Even if "Israel" achieves an absolute military victory this year or next, it will inflict a deep wound that will last for decades.
Rational Voices
Kambanis argues that policymakers in the U.S. are delusional. Chaos and power vacuums are unlikely to result in the emergence of states and societies aligned with the policies preferred by Israel's right-wing rulers. Therefore, the U.S. should call for an immediate halt to the invasion of Lebanon and end "Israel's" war in Gaza. The U.S. has the power to persuade "Israel" by limiting shipments of offensive weapons.
If America ceases its direct involvement in delivering bombs to the most extreme elements in Israel's wars, it could end its direct participation in the emerging regional war.
Yet, the voice of reason seems absent in both Tel Aviv and Washington. The U.S. appears headed for another round of prolonged wars.
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1- https://www.worlddata.info/largest-economies.php.
2- https://www.thebalancemoney.com/roaring-twenties-4060511.
3- Global GDP 1985-2029 | Statista.
4- https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/asia-on-the-cusp-of-a-new-era.
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