Can there be a world order without the United States as the dominant superpower?

For more than seven decades, the United States has played a predominant role as a global superpower , shaping the international order in politics, economics, defense, and culture. In recent years, however, the rise of emerging powers such as China , the European Union , and India , along with domestic and external challenges to the U.S., have raised a key question: can a world order exist without the United States as the dominant superpower?

After World War II, the United States was the principal architect of global institutions such as the UN , the IMF , the World Bank , and NATO . Its military, economic, and technological capabilities have sustained a system based on rules, free trade, and collective security.

Furthermore, its cultural and technological influence has helped spread democratic values and economic models across diverse regions. This hegemony also entailed responsibilities such as intervention in international conflicts and the provision of global public goods.

Although the U.S. remains an unparalleled economic and military power, it faces significant challenges:

• China's rise : As the world's second-largest economy and a growing military power, China is challenging U.S. dominance in the Asia-Pacific and in strategic areas such as technology and trade.
• Growing multipolarity : Other actors such as the European Union, Russia, India and Brazil are gaining regional and global influence.
• Internal challenges : political polarization, social crises, and debates about the international role limit leadership capacity.
• Technological and economic changes : digitalization, renewable energy, and new supply chains are redistributing power.

A scenario without US hegemony could evolve into:

• A multipolar world , where several powers compete and cooperate simultaneously, generating a dynamic balance but also risks of conflict.
• Greater regional prominence , with more autonomous economic and political blocs, such as the European Union, ASEAN, or blocs in Latin America and Africa.
• Reconfiguration of alliances and treaties , possibly less focused on the US and more on specific strategic interests.
• Changes in global institutions , with the United States losing influence in multilateral organizations and other countries assuming greater responsibilities.

This possible change involves both risks and opportunities:

• Risks : increased regional conflicts due to power vacuums, erosion of international norms, arms proliferation and geo-economic tensions.
• Opportunities : Greater diversity in leadership, inclusive approaches, multi-level cooperation, and the possibility of more balanced and sustainable global solutions.

Although some predict a decline, many experts believe the United States will remain a key player, albeit with a more shared role. Its ability to adapt, renew alliances, and lead in technological and diplomatic innovation will be decisive.

Furthermore, global interdependence makes a complete withdrawal difficult; the U.S. has economic and strategic interests that will keep it involved in global politics.

A world order without the United States as the dominant superpower is not only possible, but likely the next historical stage. This process will lead to a more complex, multipolar, and dynamic world, with new actors and challenges.

The transition presents both uncertainties and opportunities for building a more just and representative international system. The future will depend on how the United States and other powers manage cooperation, competition, and global governance in the coming decades.