In the ongoing discourse about the term “empire,” its precise meaning remains a topic of discussion, often reserved for the formal political control of one state over another. This usage is most commonly associated with the historical era known as the “Age of Imperialism.”
Be they labeled as superpowers, Great Powers, empires, or hegemons, one consistent observation emerges—nations ascend and decline. No state has perpetually maintained its supremacy, and historical patterns suggest that this trend is likely to persist.
The pages of history reveal the rise and fall of various empires—the Roman Empire, Carolingian Empire, Hapsburg Empire, three German Reichs, British and French colonial empires, and, notably, the Soviet Empire, which not only crumbled but led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union into 15 constituent parts in 1991.
Spain, Portugal, Britain, France, and other European nations established extensive colonial empires, controlling significant portions of the world. However, colonial dominance proved transient. The United States, breaking free as the first colony, surprised the world with its independence. Post-World War II, the era of colonial empires swiftly ended, marking the rise of the United States and Russia since the 1830s.
Following World War II, the United States emerged as the preeminent global power. By 1945, it had surpassed any historical predecessor, akin to Great Britain in 1815. The atomic bomb and the dollar became symbols of American dominance, maintaining a qualitative lead in the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union.
The post-Soviet era in the 1990s saw the United States enjoy a “unipolar moment” with no military competitor, fostering a flourishing economy. The atomic bomb, a U.S. invention, and the dollar’s global dominance through the IMF solidified America’s position in the world order.
In 1991, the Soviet empire finally collapsed, this event marked a significant turning point in the global landscape, reshaping power dynamics and leaving the United States as the undisputed leader on the world stage.
By 1979, a formidable new player emerged, challenging the imperial dominance of the United States. While NATO focused on the revived Russian state and the ascent of China, few considered the Islamic Republic of Iran a regional powerhouse, let alone a global player.
Initially, the West believed it had the situation under control through sanctions and international isolation. However, after eight years of a devastating war with Iraq, Iran found its economy in ruins, lacking significant air or naval power. Yet, the survival of their system became a substantial victory.
The U.S.-led Western powers sought to isolate Iran in the region, hoping to curb its influence. The unthinkable unfolded— a non-superpower potentially ending the unchallenged hegemony of the world’s great power.
No one desired a conventional war against the United States at the time. Asymmetric wars, witnessed first in Iraq and then in Afghanistan, proved the chosen method. Iran couldn’t defeat the U.S., but the U.S. couldn’t entirely overcome them. The critical question arose: who could persist the longest?
Let’s explore how this power effectively employed asymmetrical methods to overcome the once-deemed invincible superpower.
1. Lebanon’s Defiance: During the ’80s, the U.S. supported its interests in Lebanon by deploying military forces to curb Palestinian operations against Israel. Recognizing the impossibility of sending their army to Lebanon, Iran empowered the Lebanese people to defend their homeland. In 2000 and 2006, with U.S. backing, Israel was defeated and forced to withdraw—setting a historical precedent and inspiring other powers to challenge the U.S.
2. Naval Dominance: Iran became the first country to position UAVs over U.S. aircraft carriers, challenging traditional naval superiority. Through unconventional means, even Yemen, without a significant navy, enforced a naval blockade using missiles and loitering ammunition. Iran’s influence now extends across the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and much of the Indian Ocean.
3. War Between Wars in Syria: The conflict in Syria tested U.S. power, revealing vulnerabilities. Powers like China and Russia observed the U.S.’s real capabilities, emboldening them to challenge American influence in other regions. Practical issues such as Hezbollah remaining armed, Assad retaining power, and resistance persisting in Palestine and Yemen underscore the limitations of U.S. influence.
Numerous practical challenges persist for the U.S.:
1. Hezbollah’s Persistence: The U.S. desires Hezbollah’s disarmament, yet Hezbollah remains armed.
2. Assad’s Status: Despite U.S. wishes, President Assad remains in power in Syria.
3. Palestinian Resistance: The U.S. seeks to eliminate Palestinian resistance, yet it endures.
4. Yemen’s Leadership: The U.S. aims to reinstate Abdulruba Hadi in Yemen, but the Houthis remain in control.
5. Foreign Influence in Africa: The U.S. wishes Russia, China, and Iran to exit Africa, yet they continue to be major investors.
The frustration with Iran from Western powers is understandable. This resilient power has strategically implemented measures that challenge the foundations of their dominance.
Today’s challenges to American power from various corners of the globe, including Venezuela, North Korea, China, Russia, and South Africa, can be traced back to the resolute stands of the Islamic Republic of Iran against the hegemony of the United States.
The decline of the U.S. empire, evident from multiple perspectives, signals a shift in the global power landscape. The U.S., having lectured the world about fiscal responsibility, now faces limitations on its freedom of action due to soaring deficits. Large-scale military interventions become increasingly challenging.
It’s only a matter of time before the once-unchallenged title is relinquished. The reality is catching up with Washington’s exceptionalism.
Sheme, 3012024