For many decades, global stability has been based on American power: the so-called Pax Americana («American Peace») ensured the security of US allies and contained the aggression of authoritarian regimes. However, this balance of power is rapidly collapsing. How will European and Asian democracies react when they’re left to face the ambitions of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea? Will Germany and Japan be able to take responsibility for defending political freedoms? In a column for Project Syndicate, publicist Ian Buruma discusses what awaits the world if the United States abandons its role as guarantor of international security.
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