Decline or decadence of imperialism

Decline or decadence of imperialism

The first half of the 21st century is a special historical period, primarily due to the breakdown of the omnipotence that American imperialism displayed in the second half of the last century.

It was, unquestionably, the greatest political, economic, and military power in the world. A power that was only broken under specific circumstances, such as the Vietnam War and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Cold War allowed for a balance between the imperialist and Soviet camps, for military reasons. Since the USSR gained access to the atomic bomb, the two superpowers could have annihilated each other. Hence the Cold War and the balance between the two greatest powers in the world.

In this century, the economic decline of the United States began, which no longer possesses the economic power of the last century. Despite the illusion that, with the end of the USSR, they could reign as the sole superpower in the world, this illusion quickly vanished when they became aware of the existence of BRICS – an alliance, for the first time, between China, Russia, Brazil, and many other countries.

The world was once again divided into two blocs. But this time, the relationship between them was different. If, during the Cold War, the economic superiority of the United States was evident, now the economic power of China prevails. If, during the Cold War, the only balance between the two blocs was military, now, with BRICS, it is also political and economic.

The United States' traditional allies are also weakening relatively: Europe, penetrated by far-right currents that are breaking the political unity of its countries.

Meanwhile, the list of countries requesting membership in BRICS continues to grow, including former historical allies of the United States, such as Saudi Arabia and other oil-producing nations.

The new global balance is different from that of the previous Cold War. This time, American power is declining; its trend is not towards strengthening, but weakening, both economically and politically. It still remains the world's largest consumer market, and the greatest military power as well. Hence, it is probably more accurate to speak of decline than decadence.

Although the trend is towards decline and subsequent decay, if current trends continue and solidify. Because the economic trend is for China to become the world's largest economic power. For Brazil to strengthen as an emerging middle power. Just as BRICS expands, with the accession of an increasing number of countries.