Middle Eastern powerhouses are leveraging their wealth to assert themselves as global players, reshaping the international landscape. As the world's power dynamics shift, nations with substantial economic heft and global trading alliances are gaining prominence, while others struggle to keep pace. This reorganization of global influence is most apparent as China strategically invests in sectors such as transportation, mining, energy, and infrastructure within the Middle East. Meanwhile, the United States is scaling back its global role, signaling a major shift in international relations.
For decades, the United States held a dominant position on the world stage, but this is rapidly changing. Withdrawing from its expansive foreign policy agenda, the US now finds itself unable to enforce its will on other nations. This retreat has left a vacuum that emerging powers, notably China, are eager to fill. China's engagement in Africa exemplifies this new order, as it stands as the continent's largest trading partner and creditor. A significant portion of Africa's economy—20% of exports and 16% of imports—is tied to China.
The shift in global economic gravity towards the Indo-Pacific region further underscores the changing times. The United States' absence of ambassadors in key Middle Eastern countries like Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon highlights its diminished diplomatic footprint. As Washington turns inward, other nations rise to challenge its influence on the international stage.
China is actively rewriting the global order by creating new alliances and trade agreements, thus challenging the previous US-centric model. The Atlantic Council notes that countries are seeking "strategic autonomy from the west and distributing risks by hedging against changes in US policy toward Turkey and the Gulf’s neighborhood." This reflects a broader trend where nations are reevaluating their alliances and economic partnerships in response to shifting US policies.
The US's waning influence is attributed in part to its own moral and political collapse. A foreign policy veteran in Washington remarked that internal issues have "sucked the oxygen out of the administration’s foreign policy agenda." This internal focus leaves the US less capable of advancing its international objectives, with other nations stepping in to fill roles traditionally dominated by America.
"Sucked the oxygen out of the administration’s foreign policy agenda" – Foreign Policy Veteran in Washington
China's investments in Africa and the Middle East are part of a broader strategy to secure resources and expand its influence. As the largest trading partner for Africa, China has established itself as an indispensable economic ally for many African nations. This strategic positioning allows China to exert considerable influence over these regions, further challenging US dominance.
"Watching old cowboy movies on repeat" – Foreign Policy Veteran in Washington
The US's residual foreign policy agenda is steadily being undermined by the rise of other nations and a more assured dispersal of political and economic power across the globe. The once unipolar world order led by the United States is giving way to a multipolar reality where multiple states wield significant influence. This transition sees countries like China taking active roles in shaping the new world order.
As China focuses on building infrastructure and forming trade alliances, it strengthens its foothold in regions that were once under strong US influence. The decline of American power is evident as it reduces its role globally to its bare bones. This retreat opens avenues for emerging powers to assert their influence and redefine international relations.