The United States National Security Strategy & Global Power Relations
- Frans Minnaar
- Jan 5
- 15 min read
The United States is still the world’s most dominant superpower. It has two global challengers, in China and Russia, but none of these powers currently has the same, or superior economic, military or geopolitical capacity to supersede that of the United States.
But, geopolitically, and in terms of its own expressed National Security Strategy, I do think that there are a number of vital global risks to which the United States are exposed.
Firstly, in its own back yard, Latin – and South America, it is exposed to unstable regimes; some of which has a clear propensity for active anti-American behaviour. In this regard, Cuba and the countries around the Panama Canal remain clear threats to the United States. I therefore don’t think that Trump will easily let go of interventions in this region.
Secondly, I think the United States is highly exposed to risk in the China-Taiwan conflict. I do not think that the United States has the military capacity to defeat China in a war in the latter’s back yard, with China well prepared. However, on the flip-side, it must be taken into account that Taiwan will also defend itself, should it be attacked by China. Perhaps it is the combination of this factor and the US military interference that have deterred China, so far, from attacking Taiwan.
Thirdly, China’s Belt and Road Initiative is clearly a strategic success. It has not only won the country numerous friends around the world, but has also put valuable assets under its control, in various countries; assets that could potentially be transformed into military installations and bases in the case of military conflict, if required.
Fourthly, the tension between European countries and the United States exposed the Western power block to risk. I don’t necessarily think that it benefits China much, but it definitely does benefit Russia. The greatest threat to Putin, and the main reason why the war in the Ukraine has dragged on for more than 3 years, is the fact that the combined military, economic and technological power of the United States and Europe are resourcing Ukraine. If the traditional “Western” hegemony splinter, will enormously benefit and embolden Russia in its imperialistic ambitions.
