By Uzma Ehtasham
The era when the United States enjoyed uncontested global dominance is, according to Vice President JD Vance, definitively over. His remarks reflect a stark reassessment of America’s place in the world, one that acknowledges a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape where traditional assumptions about US primacy no longer hold. “In the wake of the Cold War, America enjoyed a mostly unchallenged command of the commons, airspace, sea, space, and cyberspace,” Vance said. But today, he warned, the reality is far more complex, with formidable challenges emerging from nations like China and Russia. These powers are actively seeking to contest America’s influence across every strategic domain—from radio frequencies to low Earth orbit, and from supply chains to communication infrastructures.
The shift is not just about military competition; it encompasses technological, economic, and geopolitical arenas, signaling a new era of multipolar rivalry. Vance’s reflection captures a broader recognition in Washington that the post-Cold War confidence in American dominance was, perhaps, overly optimistic. After the Soviet Union’s collapse, US policymakers operated under the assumption that America’s role as the sole superpower was assured, that its power could be exercised with little serious contest. This belief shaped a foreign policy that increasingly favored soft power tools—diplomatic influence, economic sanctions, and cultural reach—over the hard power of military strength and strategic deterrence. Yet, this trade-off has come at a cost.
The assumption that no other nation could rise to challenge the United States has been upended by the assertive ambitions of China and the persistent defiance of Russia. Russia, in particular, continues to assert itself robustly on the world stage. President Vladimir Putin recently emphasized Russia’s sustained position among the top five arms exporters globally, a status he framed as a testament to the quality and reliability of Russian military hardware. This market presence is not merely commercial but strategic, allowing Russia to wield influence and project power indirectly through arms sales and military partnerships. Putin’s confidence in the military-technical capabilities of Russian industry signals Moscow’s intention to remain a key player in global power dynamics, undeterred by Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Meanwhile, Russia’s approach to the United States remains cautious and pragmatic, as articulated by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at a conference focused on the historic South Russian lands, Lavrov underscored Moscow’s sobriety in dealings with Washington, highlighting a critical need to remain realistic in light of America’s unpredictable foreign policy shifts. “There have been numerous instances where the United States has drastically reversed its stance,” Lavrov said, a candid admission that frames Russian strategy as one of measured patience rather than hopeful anticipation.
Lavrov described the current state of Russia-US relations as a “return to normality,” a phrase that might seem surprising given the long-standing tensions between the two nations. Yet he referred to a recent meeting in Riyadh involving senior Russian and US officials, where the shared principle that foreign policy should be grounded in national interests was reaffirmed. This approach, according to Lavrov, aligns with the positions of former President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. Crucially, it signals a move away from ideological confrontations and indiscriminate attempts to expand influence. Instead, the focus shifts toward pragmatic engagement based on the recognition that great powers have distinct national priorities that must be respected.
From this shared understanding arise two important conclusions. First, where national interests coincide, there is room for cooperation on joint projects. Second, and perhaps more importantly, when interests diverge, it is the responsibility of the powers involved to manage these differences carefully, preventing them from escalating into open conflict. Lavrov noted that this was the core theme of their Riyadh discussions, and he praised the Trump administration for adhering to this principle of pragmatic coexistence. He contrasted this with the approach of Democratic administrations, which he implied were less consistent in this regard.
Lavrov also acknowledged that this realist stance has caused unease among segments of the US political elite, including within the Republican Party. Many American politicians, accustomed to wielding near-absolute influence over global affairs, find it challenging to operate in a context where power must be negotiated rather than imposed. The frustration stems from a loss of control, a recognition that the United States can no longer dictate terms unilaterally or expect unquestioned compliance from other nations. This emerging reality compels a profound rethink of US foreign policy. The post-Cold War world, dominated by American unipolarity, is giving way to a complex international system characterised by contested influence and competing centres of power.
The rise of China as a technological and economic powerhouse, coupled with Russia’s enduring military capabilities and strategic ambitions, means that American policymakers must navigate a landscape marked by rivalry and cooperation in equal measure. Maintaining global stability now depends on managing these delicate balances rather than asserting unquestioned dominance. The discourse coming from both Washington and Moscow reveals a pragmatic, if cautious, acknowledgement of this new world order. There is an understanding that the era of simple, uncontested power is gone, replaced by a reality where great powers must engage with one another on the basis of mutual respect for national interests and a shared interest in avoiding catastrophic conflict.
Whether this approach will succeed remains to be seen, especially as domestic political pressures and ideological divides continue to complicate diplomacy on both sides. What is clear, however, is that the age of American primacy as a given has ended. In its place stands a more complex and challenging international environment, demanding nuanced strategies, a readiness to compromise, and a willingness to accept that power is no longer a monopoly but a shared and contested resource. As the United States confronts this reality, it must reconcile its historical self-image as the unchallenged global leader with the emerging multipolar world. The success of this adjustment will shape the future of international relations and the prospects for peace and stability in the decades to come.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
