America’s Hegemony, Trump’s Victory & BRICS Drive for a Multipolar World – Dr Umar Osabo

 

“Donald’s Trump’s election in 2024 represented a stark departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy doctrine. His “America First” mantra entailed a rejection of multilateralism, the prioritization of national interests, and an overt skepticism towards established alliances and agreements”

PEGASUS REPORTERS, LAGOS | NOVEMBER 9, 2024

In the annals of modern geopolitics, few topics ignite debates as fervently as the concept of hegemony — particularly American hegemony. The United States, since World War II, has wielded significant influence over international norms, economic structures, and political alliances. However, with the emergence of new global players and shifting power dynamics, the notion of a unipolar world dominated by the U.S. appears increasingly outdated.

Within this context, former President Donald Trump’s unexpected victory in the 2024 presidential election marked a pivotal moment that greatly affected the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy. Additionally, the rise of the BRICS coalition (comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has raised critical questions about the future of international relations. This analysis delves deeply into these phenomena and their collective implications for a multipolar world order.

* The Legacy of American Hegemony

For decades, the United States has acted as the self-proclaimed leader of the “free world.” Hegemony, in this sense, has entailed a combination of military dominance, economic leadership, and cultural influence. The dollar became the world’s reserve currency, NATO expanded its reach into Eastern Europe, and American values, such as democracy and individualism, were promoted globally. However, the cracks in this edifice began to show in the early 21st century, culminating in what many perceive as a waning of U.S. influence.

The 2008 financial crisis was a historical pivot, firmly establishing the reality that American economic dominance can falter. Critics of U.S. foreign policy increasingly highlighted instances of overreach, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Discontent with American-led globalization and its perceived failures set the stage for a shift in global dynamics that would gain further momentum during Trump’s presidency.

* Trump’s Election and a Shift in Foreign Policy

Donald’s Trump’s election in 2024 represented a stark departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy doctrine. His “America First” mantra entailed a rejection of multilateralism, the prioritization of national interests, and an overt skepticism towards established alliances and agreements. Trump’s administration will dismantle various key policies, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Paris Climate Accord, and the Iran Nuclear Deal.

While these actions alienated many traditional allies, they resonated with a significant portion of the American public that felt left behind by globalization and international commitments. Trump’s “populist” approach stirred discontent but also sowed seeds of discontent towards global institutions that will encouraging nations to pursue independent courses of action in the international sphere.

The isolationist tone of Trump’s administration also emboldened rival powers to cultivate alternative alliances. This period marked a shift toward a more confrontational approach to China and Russia, encapsulated by heightened trade tensions and military posturing in various regions, forging a clearer delineation between ally and adversary.

* The BRICS Coalition: A New Paradigm

Emerging from this backdrop of discontent with American leadership is the BRICS coalition, which presents an alternative to the United States-led global system. Founded with the aim of increasing political, economic, and cultural cooperation among its member countries, BRICS has sought to address the challenges posed by burgeoning global inequalities and restructure international power dynamics.

As the BRICS nations collectively represent a significant portion of the world’s population and economic output, their importance in the *international arena cannot be overstated. This coalition seeks to promote a multipolar world in which power is decentralized and nations wield greater autonomy in their pursuits.

* Restructuring Global- Power Dynamics

The rise of BRICS accounts for both the diversification and fragmentation of global governance. Discussions are underway regarding the possibility of expanding the coalition to include nations like Argentina, Indonesia, and others that share similar economic objectives. The prospect of increased participation from other states highlights a trend toward pluralism in the global order.

The introduction of institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB) offers a direct challenge to existing financial entities, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. By providing financing for sustainable development projects, BRICS countries are attempting to provide alternatives to the traditional financial systems that often impose stringent conditions on borrowing nations.

Additionally, BRICS is poised to recombine resources in tackling pertinent global issues such as climate change and healthcare. to positioning themselves as leaders in these crucial arenas, BRICS advocates are asserting their agenda as more aligned with the needs of developing nations than the Western-centric institutional frameworks.

 

* The U.S.-China Rivalry: Multipolarity versus Unipolarity

The interplay between American hegemony and the burgeoning influence of BRICS is perhaps most vividly illustrated within the context of U.S.-China relations. China’s rapid ascent as an economic superpower has fundamentally altered the geopolitics of the 21st century. Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) serves as a testament to its ambition to develop trade networks across Asia, Europe, and Africa, positioning itself as a global economic leader.

This initiative is seen as both a threat and an opportunity by the United States, which views China’s expanding influence as a challenge to the unipolar order. The U.S. has responded with a series of policies aimed at counterbalancing China’s influence, leading to increased tensions. The implications of this rivalry extend deeply into trade, technology, cybersecurity, and even military engagements.

In the eyes of BRICS countries, American policies, particularly those adopted during Trump’s (2016 to 2021) presidency, represent a potential catalyst for their own collective mobilization. Trump’s confrontational approach to China and withdrawal from global multilateral frameworks provided an opening for BRICS to assert its vision of a multipolar world, wherein nations cooperate on mutual benefits rather than settlements dictated externally.

* Global Reactions: Allies and Adversaries

Not all nations view the rise of BRICS and the ideals of multipolarity through a favorable lens. Many U.S. allies remain committed to the transatlantic alliance and the prospects of maintaining a balance of power ostensibly defined by American leadership.

Indeed, transatlantic relations are undergoing strains as European leaders grapple with the challenges posed by both an assertive China and an unpredictable United States. Countries like Germany and France have indicated an interest in adopting more autonomous foreign policies, increasingly cautious of aligning too closely with U.S. interests without considering their own national security and economic needs.

At the same time, countries that have long been marginalized in international discussions find hope in BRICS. Nations across Africa and Latin America, where development struggles are pronounced, view this coalition as an opportunity to assert their interests and prioritize their needs in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

* The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The future trajectory of global politics rests at the intersection of these competing paradigms. U.S. hegemony may not disappear overnight, but the continued evolution of BRICS into a focal point for international cooperation presents significant challenges. The move towards a multipolar world holds both opportunities and threats. For instance, while a *diversified power landscape could better* represent the interests of various geopolitical entities, it also invites increased competition, potential conflicts, and risks fragmenting collective approaches to global challenges.

As BRICS galvanizes its influence, challenges arise within its cohesion and intentions. Divergent political systems, economic disparities, and varied national interests may undermine its ability to act as a singular force. The question remains as to whether BRICS can overcome these internal divisions to successfully project its influence into viable operations that counterbalance the U.S. narrative.

*Conclusion: The Lasting Implications of Change

American hegemony as experienced throughout its post-World War II dominance, is increasingly facing challenges from both internal divisions and external pressures. Trump’s presidency, marked by a distinct departure from norms surrounding global governance, ushered in a new era characterized by isolationism and unilateralism. Meanwhile, the rise of BRICS underscores an evolving global landscape where the ME has players who no longer view U.S. leadership as an unequivocal given.

The impact of these shifts will reverberate for generations, defining not only the international order but reshaping the very fabric of global cooperation. The push towards a multipolar world may carry the promise of greater representation and equitable power dynamics, but the path to such an outcome is fraught with unpredictability. How the United States, BRICS members, and other nations navigate this nuanced environment will fundamentally alter the global landscape that citizens, nations, and businesses have come to rely upon. As the world stands on the precipice of significant change, it remains crucial to critically analyze and respond to these emerging dynamics shaping the new international order.

Dr Umar Osabo, is a critical Thinker, Creative writer, Social Critic and Political Analyst. He sent this article via umarmosabo@gmail.com

****************************************

PUT YOUR ADS HERE!

******************************************

Tell us you were here by replying to this story in the comment section below. You can share it, too.

Pegasus Reporters: making news that reaches your audience | Advertise with us! | Join our Readers’ Channel on Telegram (+234 815 444 5334)) Follow us on Twitter11@pegasusreporter | We are on Facebook; The PegasusReporters | Chat with us on WhatsApp (+234 815 444 5334) | Contact the Editor, Mallam Oyakhamoh Y. Carl-Abu’Bakar with your adverts and articles via editor@pegasusreporters.com

Read Our Preceding Story: FCTA PRESS RELEASE: FCT Minister Appoints Mr. Lere Olayinka as Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications & Social Media

EXPLORE PEGASUS REPORTER