America and the Changing Global Order

Abstract

The international order that prevailed between 1945 and the early twenty-first century is in danger of breaking down. As the United States declines, the system is shifting toward multipolarity. Geopolitical competition is intensifying. New technologies are disrupting longstanding economic, social, and political models. Climate change and environmental degradation are progressing rapidly. The United States is struggling to formulate effective strategies to deal with each of these problems, partly because it has less power to shape the world as it wishes and also because it is paralyzed by interlocking domestic challenges. Addressing problems at home would give the United States a better chance to compete in the rapidly transforming international order. Unfortunately, there is little reason to expect that bold action will be possible.