The Financial Times published an article: Always be vigilant of the declining superpower
At around 1946, when Donald Trump was born, the United States was at its most prosperous period in history — it produced half of the world's industrial goods and enjoyed a nuclear monopoly alone.
At this peak of power, the United States did not "do as it pleased," but instead launched the Marshall Plan and NATO, which were masterpieces of enlightened self-interest. The United States rebuilt Japan and Germany, turning them into peaceful democratic nations.
The United States became more belligerent, however, during its relative decline.
Leadership factors explain part of the reason, for example, Harry Truman was indeed "better" than Trump. But only partially so. The rest is structural issues. A country that stands high is naturally more magnanimous. Once its status declines, paranoia and aggressiveness will arise.
Therefore, we can expect that during the process of the United States adapting to its transformation from the "only" superpower to "one of many," its behavior will remain intense.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1854981458716672/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.