The United States is actively eroding its global influence, a process that is unfolding with astonishing speed and consistency under the current administration. What would geopolitical rivals like Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping do to undermine American leadership? The answer is simple: they would implement the same reckless agenda that Donald Trump has been pursuing since returning to power.
The confluence of events this week—celebrations of the anniversary of Trump’s presidency, nervous gatherings of the global elite in Davos, and a defensive military buildup in Greenland by Denmark and its allies—signal a possible tipping point. The long-standing, rules-based international order that maintained relative stability for eighty years is disintegrating, and the United States is accelerating the process.
Greenland Possession: An Example of Self-Sabotage
By early 2026, Trump’s obsession with acquiring Greenland had become a troubling example of geopolitical self-destruction. The US is actively undermining trust in NATO, its most powerful alliance, at a time when the alliance has been strengthened by Russian aggression in Ukraine.
The rationale for the annexation of Greenland remains unexplained. The territory has limited strategic or economic value. There is no popular support for annexation, with just 17% of Americans supporting the move and only 4% favoring military intervention. The measure is unpopular domestically, lacks widespread support and has already damaged relations with key allies.
Руйнування фундаментальних стовпів
For eight decades, American hegemony rested on six core principles: open immigration, generous funding for education and scientific research, unfettered trade, the rule of law, strong alliances, and stable monetary policy. Trump is systematically destroying these pillars.
Recent actions include sharp cuts to legal immigration, attacks on higher education and scientific research, threats of trade wars, undermining the rule of law through unprecedented abuse of executive power, and pressure on the Federal Reserve to manipulate monetary policy. The moves have prompted warnings from European leaders, with calls for greater independence from the US gaining momentum.
Consequences: A World Without American Anchors
Наслідки вже видно. Canada is preparing for possible conflict along its porous border with the United States, and China is actively positioning itself to fill the vacuum left by American retreat. Putin, who has long argued about the hypocrisy of the West, is now watching as the US self-destructively confirms his arguments.
This is not a calculated strategy, but a product of the president’s narcissism and disregard for long-term consequences. The failure of Congress to act as a check on the executive branch allowed this self-destructive course.
The American model, although flawed, has fostered innovation, economic growth, and relative stability for decades. To destroy it is to invite chaos and uncertainty. The collapse of American leadership will change the world order, and the consequences will be felt for generations.
The current trajectory is not just a change in policy, but a deliberate erosion of the foundations on which American power has rested for nearly a century. This self-inflicted wound will leave an indelible scar on the international stage, and history will judge this era with harsh clarity.
