Empire in Decline: The United States’ Assault on International Cooperation and Unilateralism

By: A. Mahdavi

By abandoning the forthcoming G20 summit in South Africa, the United States reveals a profound and disquieting departure from established norms of international diplomacy. This is not a mere scheduling oversight; it is an unequivocal signal of a deliberate shift in global economic governance, wherein the nation wields its vast economic leverage as a blunt instrument of statecraft. No longer does the U.S. exercise its financial, trade, and technological prowess with the nuance of discerning friend from foe; instead, it deploys sanctions, trade restrictions, and technology controls indiscriminately, thereby undermining the very spirit of multilateral engagement that has long underpinned the international order.

Historically, the G20 has served as a vital platform for international economic cooperation and coordinated responses to global challenges. Its efficacy is now compromised by the absence of the world’s largest economy—a move that underscores the U.S. preference for unilateral action over the intricate compromises demanded by multilateral negotiations. In eschewing collective dialogue, the United States seeks to unambiguously assert its vision of the international order, a vision that is both self-serving and alarmingly reductionist.

The immediate consequences of this approach are already evident: disruptions in global supply chains, heightened market volatility, and a weakening of international coordination on critical issues such as climate change, pandemic response, and financial stability. More ominously, the U.S. strategy risks igniting a chain reaction where other nations, feeling the pressure of an increasingly fragmented global order, may adopt similar unilateral measures. Such a trend portends the disintegration of cooperative international frameworks and the emergence of competing economic blocs—an outcome that would destabilize the very foundation of global economic progress.

Moreover, while the existing global economic order is not without its flaws, it has historically provided a framework for sustained economic growth and development. The erosion of this system through unilateral actions not only diminishes economic efficiency and stability but also exacerbates geopolitical tensions. It is a reckless gamble: sacrificing long-term collective prosperity for short-term national gains. In doing so, the United States not only jeopardizes global stability but also sets a dangerous precedent for the conduct of international relations.

At this critical juncture, nations must recognize that their long-term security and prosperity are inseparable from a stable, cooperative international economic system. The U.S. decision to boycott the G20 summit is a stark reminder of the perils of abandoning multilateralism. Instead of capitulating to the siren call of unilateral dominance—which seeks to perpetuate and expand American hegemony—states must redouble their commitment to reinforcing and revitalizing international institutions. Only through such collective resolve can the world hope to avert the looming catastrophe of a fractured global order.

In an era defined by interdependence, the actions of great powers like the United States have consequences that extend far beyond their own borders. The choice between transient tactical advantages and enduring strategic interests will indelibly shape the future of international relations. It is imperative that the international community resists the allure of short-sighted nationalism and reaffirms its commitment to a balanced, participatory approach to global governance—a prerequisite for a stable and prosperous future for all.