It's as if Trump single-handedly decided to destroy every last of the US 'strengths' left globally simply overnight, I kid you not. At this point, it's even starting to look like it could be purposeful, like a checklist.
The US previously was at least the global largest buyer of international goods, no matter how the unfair dollar system was, this was the truth nominally.
But, which country/company will now be comfortable making some long-term relations with the US when Trump could simply tariff you overnight for no reason whatsoever, even the US's closest allies?
If the US lasts long enough, I think China will also overtake the US as the global largest importer as well.
When you for example agree on something with China, they stand on that, they offer those larger Global South producers 5 years in advance orders, etc.
Not to mention that you now have on top of this China de-risking their imports from the US and raising standards of living.
China already has the largest middle class in terms the population size. All this will make them import more. So, what the US will have left at this point for influence?
At this point, the only thing that the US has left is hoping and praying that threats could work, since they offer literally 0 benefits.
For example, agree to that and that, or we will go to give you an interference campaign, coup, disorder, military attack, take you off SWIFT, VISA, other sanctions, etc.
The problem is that this works only in the short term and when you have some power to back you up, not when you are a deteriorating clown that no one fears anymore since you can't even take down Houthis.
