The era of American-led global stability, known as Pax Americana, is rapidly diminishing, not due to a loss of power but because of eroding international trust in U.S. leadership, according to analysis by columnist Carlos Lozada.
The sun has not set on American power. What I think it is setting on is the legitimate exercise and use of that power on the world stage.
For over eight decades following World War II, the United States established and maintained a network of alliances and institutions that promoted its values, served its interests, and prevented major conflicts among global powers. This system, often called the American peace, is now vanishing because it relied not just on military and economic strength but also on legitimacy and trust—trust in American leadership, judgment, and intentions.
That trust is being undermined by actions that disregard traditional alliances and international norms. Examples include launching attacks without consulting allies, making territorial threats against NATO partners, and publicly disparaging the very institutions the U.S. helped create. Under the current administration, there is a desire to enjoy the benefits of global dominance without accepting the responsibilities that come with it, such as ensuring collective security, fostering economic openness, and nurturing diplomatic relationships.
As Lozada notes, the challenge lies in a leadership approach that seeks to 'wield superpowers' without behaving like a superpower, putting America's reputation as a reliable force for peace at risk. The decline of Pax Americana signals a shift in how global order is perceived, with implications for future international cooperation and stability.