World at a Crossroads

The world is at a crossroads during a phase of power transition in the international system. The NATO’s proxy war against Russia in Europe and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran are destabilizing factors. Both are driven by the United States and both have implications for Asia.

Life among nations is dynamic; it is not static. Power shifts through the centuries and this, in turn, shifts the correlation of forces. The international situation changes daily.

Rather than realistically and prudently adjusting to changing times with foresight and restraint, Washington recklessly plunges ahead with its imperialism and hegemonism. Some seasoned observers warn that we are already in World War III. Others point to negative global economic consequences that could lead to severe recession or even depression worldwide.

Historic changes in the international system

The historic changes now taking place in the international system present a complex and uncertain situation. This involves a shift in the relative weights of various countries, traditionally called “powers.”

The relative weights of the great powers vary over time, while new middle powers enter the mix, and even small powers can have agency. This changes the global balance of power. Thus, the international system can be described as a complex adaptive system.

Today, we see Russia’s return and China’s rise. Asia as a whole is rising as the Association for South East Asian Development (ASEAN) indicates. Eurasia is consolidating with organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and cooperative projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative which has both land and maritime dimensions.

There is a new global majority. The Western bloc and its allies can corner some forty to fifty votes in the United Nations General Assembly but the new global majority can rally some one hundred and forty to one hundred and fifty votes.

Global flashpoints

The NATO’s proxy war against Russia and the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran are the most dangerous features of the present international situation. Both are escalating day by day and week by week.

Forthcoming European elections may alter the situation on the continent. Political parties which want to repair relations with Russia and stabilize the continent are gaining popularity. Should they gain power, diplomacy to find a modus vivendi with Russia, and to settle the Ukraine war, could be possible.

The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has a broader regional context outside the Persian Gulf. Some say that Israel and the United States now are planning a major escalation against Iran and its allies in the axis of resistance.

Iran seeks to exclude the United States from a military presence in the Gulf and in Middle East. The Iranian military, so far, has been successful in systematically destroying Washington’s bases in the Gulf and some in Jordan.  Iran wants a decisive conclusion to the war which would ensure that the United States will not resume an unprovoked war of aggression in the future. Tehran is adroitly using military, diplomatic, economic, and information elements to defend itself.

At the end of the day, the United States may well be forced to withdraw militarily from the region. Its commercial activities could, of course, eventually resume. The implications for the petrodollar remain to be seen.

A faltering American empire?

The United States today faces many challenges, internal and external, in this changing world. The Israeli Lobby is a key factor driving American imperialism. The cost of the Iraq and Afghan wars to American taxpayers is estimated at some $8 trillion. The cost of the Iran wars may reach $1 trillion when all is said and done. To what end? To make obscene war profits for Corporate America? To make work for the bloated military-industrial complex and its incompetent generals and admirals? To put blood money into the pockets of corrupt and depraved politicians?

Why were these trillions of taxpayer dollars wasted and not invested at home to improve the condition of the American people? What about poverty, homelessness, drug addiction, and other pressing social ills. What about America’s antiquated and disintegrating infrastructure? What about illiteracy and cultural decline?

In the changing world of diverse cultures, civilizations, and states, the United States clearly lacks competent leadership with the skill and foresight necessary to navigate the future while ensuring prosperity and security for Americans.

The world has seen that the corrupt and depraved “Epstein class” is in power in Washington and is well entrenched. Main Street is subordinate to Wall Street and its bloated military-industrial complex.

Will the U.S. 2026 midterm elections make positive change possible? What about the elections over next decade: 2028, 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036? Will the President and Congress undertake necessary and painful reforms in domestic and in foreign policy?

Washington must undertake an agonizing reappraisal of its national strategy and foreign policy. Washington must end its blind support for Israel and imperialism. Washington must support peace and development in our changing world.

The world is at a crossroad. Given the faltering American empire, and the dangers of the present international situation, it is imperative that responsible members of the international community and global majority make every effort to promote peace and development.

The article reflects the author’s opinions, and not necessarily the views of China Focus.