The concept of global supremacy has long been a topic of debate in international relations. After the Cold War, the United States emerged as the sole superpower, leading to a period of unipolarity. However, this era has come to an end, and the world is now characterized by a multipolar system. The fixation on maintaining global dominance has led to overconfidence and a lack of adaptability in U.S. foreign policy. It is time to reassess the role of global supremacy and prioritize the concrete interests of the American people.

One of the main proponents of the primacist approach is the idea that the United States must assert its dominance, even if it means intervening in other countries' affairs. However, this approach has been met with resistance from other nations, who view the U.S. as a problem-maker. The recent open letter from Singaporean academic Danny Quah to the next U.S. president highlights the need to shift focus from global supremacy to domestic concerns. Quah argues that the U.S. should prioritize the well-being of its citizens over its desire to maintain global dominance.

The primacist approach is also at odds with the reality of a transactional world, where commercial interests reign supreme. Most countries see angering major powers like China as bad policy, and the U.S. must adapt to this new reality. The views of foreign scholars and leaders, including Quah, must be taken seriously, even if they are not always instructive. The U.S. must deal with a world that is happy without American dominance and set priorities accordingly.

In conclusion, the time has come to reevaluate the role of global supremacy in U.S. foreign policy. The fixation on maintaining dominance has contributed to the decline of U.S. influence, and it is time to focus on trying to change what can most easily be changed. The U.S. should prioritize the concrete interests of its citizens and adapt to the changing world order. By doing so, the U.S. can continue to lead, but in a more humble and responsible manner.

Reevaluating the Role of Global Supremacy in a Changing World

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