Chinese scholar warns against underestimating declining US power
A prominent Chinese commentator has cautioned against assuming that the United States' relative decline will inevitably lead to its downfall. Zheng Yongnian, dean of the school of public policy at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, stated that underestimating the US could be a "fatal mistake." He described the United States as a "hegemony in decline," emphasizing that despite its relative weakening, it still holds a hegemonic position. Zheng elaborated that no other nation or global force is currently capable of truly replacing the US in its current role. This perspective was shared in a recent interview with the Greater Bay Area Review. The scholar's remarks highlight the complex geopolitical landscape, suggesting that the transition of global power is not a straightforward process. He implies that the US retains significant influence and capabilities, even as its dominance faces challenges.
The assertion that a declining hegemon can still exert significant influence due to the absence of a clear successor is a recurring theme in geopolitical analysis. This perspective suggests that power transitions are not merely about the relative weakening of one state, but also about the readiness and capacity of other actors to assume leadership. The scholar's warning underscores the potential for prolonged periods of instability or multipolar competition during such transitions. Understanding the internal dynamics of the declining power, alongside the development trajectories of potential successors, is crucial for navigating the evolving international order over the next decade. This situation prompts consideration of whether the current international system is designed to accommodate such protracted periods of contested hegemony or if new frameworks will be necessary.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.