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America’s great transformation in the age of brute force
The article argues that the United States is undergoing an “imperial transformation” under Donald Trump, shifting away from its former role as a power that claimed to uphold an international order. It portrays the change as a move towards using unchecked force, with consequences for American institutions and global relations.
Drawing on a book by Maud Quessard, a specialist in US foreign policy, the article points to the United Nations General Assembly’s inability to respond to the changing international order as one sign of the shift. It describes political leadership at the Pentagon as seeking to make the military serve a domestic agenda, and highlights the growing entanglement of technology, politics, media and geopolitics, including Elon Musk’s influence through digital platforms and algorithms.
In short
- The article describes a shift in US power under Donald Trump.
- It argues that American institutions are being subordinated to political aims.
- Technology and media are part of the changing geopolitical landscape.
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The case for
Supporters of this transformation could argue that the previous order often constrained US action while failing to prevent conflict or protect American interests. A more forceful, less institution-bound approach may let elected leaders respond quickly to threats, use military and technological capabilities more effectively, and press allies and international bodies to share responsibilities.
The case against
Critics could argue that concentrating power and treating force as the main instrument of influence weakens democratic checks, risks drawing the military into domestic politics, and makes international relations less predictable. They may also see the growing influence of technology firms and platform owners as giving private actors outsized power over public debate and geopolitics, while eroding institutions that can limit abuse.
Explained simply
The United States has long been a leading military and economic power, and has often presented its foreign policy as supporting rules and institutions that govern relations between countries. The United Nations, where member states meet and debate international issues, is one such institution.
Donald Trump is the US president, and the Pentagon is the government department responsible for the armed forces. The article draws on the work of Maud Quessard, a specialist in US foreign policy, to examine how political leaders, military power and US institutions may be changing.
Technology companies and media platforms also shape political debate and the flow of information. Elon Musk’s influence through digital platforms is part of a wider discussion about how technology, politics and international relations are connected.
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