"American power worldwide is at its historic zenith"

Zbigniew Brzezinski’s assertion that “American power worldwide is at its historic zenith” points to a unique moment in global history when the United States holds unmatched influence across nearly every sphere – military, economic, technological, political, and cultural. Characterizing it as a “historic zenith” suggests not merely a peak in strength relative to peers, but a summit surpassing all prior instances of national supremacy, including the heights of the British Empire or the Roman Empire.

Military dominance is a core component of this power. The United States maintains a global presence through military bases on nearly every continent, technological superiority in weaponry, and an unrivalled capacity to project force quickly anywhere in the world. Furthermore, its alliances, such as NATO, extend its protective reach, and its security guarantees underpin the stability of vast regions.

Economically, the U.S. occupies the leading edge of global markets. Its currency, the dollar, serves as the world’s reserve, and its financial markets set trends and standards globally. American corporations and innovations drive much of the world’s economic growth and technological advancement. In technology, the U.S. spearheads digital revolutions, with Silicon Valley at the center of the global tech ecosystem.

Politically, American values and systems, liberal democracy, free markets, are aspirational and widely emulated. U.S. influence shapes international institutions and norms, whether through the United Nations or less formal channels of soft power, such as media, entertainment, and academia. The cultural pervasiveness of American lifestyles, music, films, and brands embeds its influence deeply in societies worldwide.

Brzezinski’s phrase also carries an implicit awareness that this “historic zenith” may be fleeting. History suggests that all hegemonies face challenges, and external competition or internal erosion can diminish dominance. Nevertheless, at this point of reference, American power is comprehensive, shaping the order of the modern world to a greater extent than any previous state has enjoyed.