Opinion: Is the US Now The Playground Bully of Global Politics?
Every school has that one bully—the kid who struts around the playground, takes other children’s lunch money, pushes the smaller ones aside, and demands obedience. For a while, it works. The bully gets the best seat in the cafeteria, pockets extra snacks, and basks in the admiration of those who either fear or secretly aspire to wield the same power. But there’s one problem: it never ends well for the bully. And in global politics, the United States has played this role for far too long, thinking it can throw its weight around without consequences.
In schoolyards, bullies don’t just steal – they dominate. They make rules that benefit them, ensuring others stay weaker. They demand loyalty while offering none in return. Sound familiar? The U.S. imposes sanctions, tariffs, and military threats, dictating how other nations should behave while conveniently breaking every rule itself. Just like the schoolyard bully who forces kids to share their candy but hoards his own stash, America insists on free markets but slaps tariffs on Mexico and Canada whenever it feels like it.
The short-term benefits are obvious. The bully gets what he wants. Countries fall in line, fearing economic punishment. The U.S. dictates global trade, exploits natural resources, and ensures its corporations stay on top. It even gets admiration—just like the schoolyard bully who, despite his cruelty, often has an audience of onlookers fascinated by his power. There are always some who believe the bully is strong, confident, maybe even aspirational.
But what happens when people get fed up? Just like in school, where kids band together against a tyrant, the world is beginning to push back. BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – are now forming economic alliances to sidestep the U.S. dollar. Mexico and Canada, after years of being bullied with tariffs, are retaliating. Even Europe, once America’s loyal sidekick, is questioning its blind allegiance.
Bullies rarely think about the long game. They believe they will always be on top, always stronger, always feared. But in every school, there comes a moment when the crowd stops laughing at the bully’s jokes, the small kids refuse to hand over their lunch money, and suddenly, the once-feared tyrant finds himself alone, exposed, and powerless.
The United States should take note. Short-term dominance through threats and intimidation may work for a while, but history is unkind to those who rely on fear rather than friendship.
The world is watching, and sooner or later, the playground bully will find itself outnumbered, with no one left to push around.
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