The End of the US Empire: The Left thinks they want it, the Right doesn’t know its actually happening…

By: Richard Graves, MA American History, 03/19/2025

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The post WWII – Cold War American Empire is “changing”. But into what and more pointedly, why?

The geopolitical challenges stemming from the post-Cold War era can be traced back to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. During this period, the United States and European nations faced critical decisions regarding their approach to Russia. Instead of implementing robust containment strategies, Western powers often allowed multinational corporations and Russian oligarchs to influence the evolving geopolitical landscape, leading to economic disparities and governance issues within Russia (Aslund, 2002).

In the 1990s, under President Bill Clinton, the United States played a pivotal role in Ukraine's decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal through the Budapest Memorandum, which provided security assurances in exchange for disarmament (Pifer, 2019). However, the non-binding nature of these assurances later proved problematic when Russia violated Ukraine's sovereignty.

The 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia marked a significant escalation in regional tensions. The Obama administration, while condemning the action and implementing sanctions, refrained from direct military intervention, a response perceived by Moscow as indicative of limited Western deterrence (McFaul, 2018). Additionally, the lack of enforcement of declared "red lines" in Syria further emboldened Russian assertiveness in international affairs (Mankoff, 2016).

During President Donald Trump's tenure, criticisms arose regarding his administration's approach to Russia. Despite allegations of a conciliatory stance toward Moscow, it is notable that Russia did not engage in significant territorial expansions during this period (Hill & Gaddy, 2018).

Under President Joe Biden, Russia initiated a substantial military buildup along Ukraine's border in 2021, raising international concerns about a potential invasion (Kofman, 2021). Despite these warnings, the subsequent response was perceived by some as insufficiently proactive, culminating in a full-scale crisis when Russia commenced military operations in Ukraine.

Collectively, these developments underscore a series of miscalculations and policy shortcomings by successive Western leaders, transforming manageable geopolitical challenges into profound crises.

WHERE WE ARE AT:

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2014, escalated significantly on February 24, 2022, marking the largest and most lethal confrontation in Europe since World War II. This escalation has resulted in substantial casualties among both military personnel and civilians.

Civilian Casualties:

According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), as of early 2025, over 12,000 civilian deaths have been documented in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion commenced in February 2022. The actual figures are likely higher, considering the challenges in data collection during ongoing conflicts (Statista, 2025).

Military Casualties:

Estimates of military casualties vary:

• Ukrainian forces have reportedly suffered approximately 70,000 fatalities and between 100,000 to 120,000 injuries (U.S. Department of Defense, 2024).

• Russian military casualties are estimated to be approaching 300,000, including up to 120,000 deaths and 170,000 to 180,000 injuries (U.S. Department of Defense, 2024).

These figures underscore the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict, reflecting the severe impact on both military personnel and the civilian population

The inauguration of President Donald Trump marked a departure from traditional U.S. alignment with NATO allies, introducing a more unilateral approach to foreign policy. This shift has significant implications for European stability, which, in turn, affects U.S. interests.

Historically, NATO has been the cornerstone of transatlantic security, fostering cooperation between the United States and European nations. However, under the Trump administration, there has been a noticeable pivot towards nationalism and skepticism of multilateral institutions. This change has led to concerns about the U.S.'s commitment to NATO and the potential repercussions for European security (Schuessler & Shifrinson, 2019).

The erosion of U.S. support for NATO under Trump's leadership has prompted European nations to reassess their defense strategies. Some scholars argue that this scenario could lead to a more self-reliant Europe, potentially strengthening its defense and energy independence (Stimson Center, 2024). However, this transition period may also result in a power vacuum, leading to instability that could be detrimental to both European and American interests. Simply put, the United States' deviation from coordinated action with NATO allies under President Trump introduces a degree of unpredictability in Europe. Given the interconnected nature of global security, an unstable Europe poses significant risks to U.S. national interests.

Some Americans, particularly on the political right, advocate for increased financial contributions from NATO allies concerning the costs associated with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While this perspective aligns with fiscal conservative principles, it overlooks NATO's role as a strategic instrument of U.S. power, advancing American geopolitical and geo-economic interests (Desmaele, 2024). The United States' investment in NATO yields significant benefits in terms of global influence and stability (Hill & Noonan, 2023). Reducing this commitment may appear fiscally prudent in the short term but risks undermining NATO's effectiveness and, consequently, America's global standing, a miscalculation with potentially significant consequences.

Prominent figures on the American political left, such as Cornel West and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have critiqued the concept of the American empire, highlighting its associations with colonialism, systemic racism, and patriarchy (Baum, 2006; hooks, 2023). Influenced by critical theory, this perspective often emphasizes the nation's historical and ongoing injustices, sometimes bordering on self-abnegation. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the United States' global influence has facilitated significant advancements in human rights, including the promotion of women's and LGBTQ+ rights worldwide (Chang, 2017). Ironically, the very power structures that some leftist critics seek to dismantle have enabled the propagation of these progressive ideals on a global scale. Thus, while advocating for the end of American imperialism, it is crucial to consider the potential implications for the global advancement of equality and human rights.

THE REALITY OF AMERICAN VS. THE DREAM OF AMERICA

The United States was founded upon the union of thirteen colonies, each possessing distinct histories and unique relationships with the United Kingdom. A significant impetus for colonization was the pursuit of religious freedom, which was intrinsically linked to ideals of liberty, individualism, and justice (Winthrop, 1630/2019). John Winthrop, a prominent Puritan leader, encapsulated this vision by referring to the new society as a "city upon a hill," symbolizing a model community for all nations to emulate (American Yawp, 2019).

Despite these lofty ideals, the founding fathers were acutely aware of the nation's imperfections, particularly concerning the institution of slavery. While some, like Thomas Jefferson, publicly condemned slavery, they continued to participate in the practice, reflecting the complex and often contradictory attitudes of the time (Holton, 2019). The founders recognized that addressing slavery during the nation's inception could have jeopardized the fragile union (Smithsonian Magazine, 2012).

Since its founding, the United States has endeavored to expand rights and achieve equality for various marginalized groups, including Black Americans, Native Americans, and women. The nation's history reflects a continuous effort to extend suffrage and civil rights, evolving from enfranchising only land-owning white men to eventually encompassing all citizens, regardless of race or gender (Wilentz, 2018). This ongoing journey toward equality underscores the nation's commitment to forming a more perfect union, acknowledging past shortcomings while striving for progress.

The reality of America may fall short, but it strives for that dream. That striving has created an empire that has made the world a better place.

HERE WE ARE

The onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2014, with a significant escalation on February 24, 2022, has ushered in a transformative period in global geopolitics, the full implications of which are still unfolding. This war represents the most severe military confrontation in Europe since World War II, resulting in substantial casualties among both Ukrainian civilians and military personnel (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2023). The protracted nature of this conflict has not only reshaped regional dynamics but has also prompted a reevaluation of international alliances and power structures (Fasslabend, 2023).

Scholars and policymakers are actively debating the potential outcomes of this war and their broader implications. Some analyses suggest that the conflict could lead to a reconfiguration of global power, with nations reassessing their strategic positions in response to shifting alliances and emerging threats (Fasslabend, 2023). Additionally, the war has highlighted the limitations of existing international institutions in preventing and resolving such conflicts, prompting discussions about necessary reforms to address contemporary security challenges (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2023).

As we navigate this uncertain landscape, it is evident that we have entered a new era characterized by fluid geopolitical dynamics and evolving notions of sovereignty and intervention. The long-term effects of the Russia-Ukraine war will likely influence international relations for decades to come, redefining the parameters of global engagement and cooperation (Fasslabend, 2023). No matter the outcome, America will remain an empire, and we will soon see what that will look like in this new era.

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