Paolo von Schirach says US influence faces challenges in shifting global order

U.S. global influence is facing increasing pressure as the international order undergoes a shift toward greater multipolarity, senior analyst Paolo von Schirach said in a briefing on Thursday. Speaking at a policy forum in Washington, von Schirach highlighted the accelerating economic and technological growth of China, the resurgence of Russia’s strategic assertiveness, and the expanding role of regional blocs such as the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as key factors reshaping power dynamics worldwide.

Von Schirach noted that the United States’ traditional advantages—military reach, a network of alliances, and a dominant financial system—are being contested by alternative financing mechanisms, digital infrastructure projects, and security arrangements that do not rely on Washington’s leadership. He cited the Belt and Road Initiative, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and recent defense pacts among Indo‑Pacific nations as evidence of a coordinated effort to diversify dependence away from the U.S. model. The analyst warned that without a coherent strategy to adapt to these trends, American diplomatic and economic leverage could erode in regions that were once firmly within its sphere of influence.

In concluding remarks, von Schirach urged U.S. policymakers to prioritize alliance reinforcement, invest in emerging technologies, and engage more actively in global governance institutions to maintain relevance in the evolving order. He emphasized that a proactive, multilateral approach would be essential for the United States to sustain its role amid the complex challenges posed by a more distributed set of global actors.