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1. Strategic Waterloo or the fate of the times?
In today's world, the United States seems to be experiencing a war without gunpowder, losing not one, but two hegemonic thrones.
These two hegemons have long been seen as the two pillars of America's global influence: economic and military. Now both pillars seem to have cracks, reminding people of the old saying, "The tree attracts the wind".
In the economic field, the United States used to be the world's undisputed number one, but now the pace of economic growth seems to be caught up by other countries, and even surpassed in some areas.
You must know that in the fast lane of globalization, the United States was the old driver who did not need to navigate.
But now, some newcomers are driving electric cars and speeding past them with a bang, making the old driver a little unable to sit still.
Military hegemony is also in jeopardy.
The United States still spends the most on its military, but it doesn't win wars, especially when other countries are also spending heavily on their own military power.
Some countries have even begun to make their own petty calculations in the traditional sphere of influence of the United States.
This is not only a resource challenge, but also a strategic showdown, and the United States seems to have encountered a strategic Waterloo again and again in this war without gunpowder.
But is it a strategic mistake, or is it the fate of the times?
Could it be that American hegemony is like that star that is aging in the spotlight and has to give way to a new generation of rising stars?
The reasons behind this are far from simply being compared to economic shrinkage and military power comparison, but more about the reshaping of the global political and economic map and the rebalancing of the international balance of power.
So does this change in hegemony really mark the decline of the United States, or is it just a natural process of the international community's move toward multipolarity?
Second, a new chapter of vertical and horizontal cooperation
Walking into the strategic chess game between China and Russia is like stepping into a Chinese-Russian restaurant, with caviar and dumplings on the menu, and one can't help but ask, "Who is the treat?"
In this international drama, China and Russia seem to have jumped out to perform a wonderful pas de deux, the melody is composed by their respective national interests, and the dance steps are full of strategic intent and tacit cooperation.
The Chinese and Russian "dance partners" are considered by many to be a pair of freaks – a bear that came out of the cold ice and snow of Siberia, and the other an incarnation of an oriental dragon.
When the two join hands, many people's first reaction is: "This style of painting is wrong, right?"
But in reality, the duo's performance in international relations is like a well-rehearsed drama, with every move revealing thoughtful strategic considerations.
In the military realm, the duo strengthened their military ties through joint exercises, as if to say, "We are not family, but we can fight just as well." ”
Economically, energy agreements and trade cooperation are like tokens of love that they give to each other, firmly binding each other's interests.
Such a strategic alliance made other countries look at it from the sidelines, and think: "These two are really good at playing!"
However, this is not always a breeze.
Contradictions and frictions in cooperation occur from time to time, after all, each country has its own small abacus and bottom line.
How long can the "tacit understanding" between China and Russia last? This is an issue of concern to all.
In this turbulent international arena, there are no permanent friends, only eternal interests. How to balance this delicate relationship is a test of high intelligence for China and Russia.
Perhaps the biggest suspense in this story is not how far China and Russia will go, but what kind of impact their alliance will have on the world.
Will powerful alliances unease other countries, and will they trigger new international power rivalries?
3. The "loser" caught in the great power game
Europe's role in the great power game is a bit like that short guy on the basketball court – he doesn't have the ball in his hand, but he keeps getting banged.
This ancient continent, once the protagonist of the world political stage, now seems to find its place in the muscle show of the great powers.
In the game between China, Russia, and the United States, Europe is sometimes like an uninvited matchmaker, trying to make peace but always being treated as air.
Economically, Europe still has its huge market and influence, but on one side is the innovation of American high-tech and Silicon Valley giants.
On the one hand, it is the squeeze of China's manufacturing industry and the huge domestic demand market, and Europe is like the remote control sandwiched between the sofas, which is obviously very important, but it is always ignored.
Not to mention, whenever the United States and China start a trade war, Europe becomes that awkward bystander, wanting to speak out for its own interests and fearing to anger either side.
The military situation is similar, although Europe has a place within NATO, but under the pressure of the United States, the big brother has a much greater voice.
And when the bears of the East began to flex their muscles on the border, Europe had to start thinking about its own defenses.
In this case, Europe's military autonomy is like that of a skinny man who wants to show off his muscles, and even if he tries his best to work out, it is difficult to stand out from the big guys.
However, it also seems unfair to beat Europe as a "loser".
After all, the continent's rich history and deep cultural heritage have given it its unique wisdom and resilience.
In this chess game of the great power game, Europe is also seeking its own independent chess path, not because there is no room to play, but because it is looking for the right time and way.
So, will Europe be able to find its footing in this push-and-shove of the great powers, and will its future be just a bystander passively accepting the results?
Fourth, the dilemma and challenges of the Biden administration
The Biden administration is in the position of a diner who orders too many dishes in a restaurant, and sees a table full of dishes but doesn't know where to start.
Every advance in domestic policy is like carving words on plasticine, distorted by the eyes of the outside world and internal divisions.
On the international stage, the Biden administration is like the brave man trying to waltz on a swinging single-plank bridge, and every careless step can lead to a major upheaval.
The domestic challenge seems to be a multiple-choice question, but the options are mutually exclusive and frustrating. The road to economic recovery has been messed up by the recurrence of the pandemic and supply chain disruptions.
The Biden administration's attempts to promote infrastructure plans and the green energy transition are like the novice wandering through the various machines in the gym, looking at each machine with longing and a little confused. In terms of social policy, racial inequality and gun violence continue to be the biggest headaches for the government.
In foreign policy, the Biden administration's difficulties are like being suddenly forced to play Chinese chess in a chess game – the rules are different, the opponents are cunning, and every move must be extremely cautious.
Returning to international agreements and repairing relations with allies sounds simple, but it's actually difficult, like trying to perform acrobatics without letting a single plate fall.
At the same time, China's rise and Russia's moves are undoubtedly two major foreign policy challenges for the Biden administration.
Every response is like trying to flip a baking pizza in a piping hot oven, and the slightest mistake will get burned.
The Biden administration's policy way out lies in reconciling internal and external pressures and finding a suitable breakthrough.
This requires an "acrobatic" balancing act, which not only stabilizes various domestic interest groups, but also accurately controls the strength in international relations.
How to find a golden tangent point between domestic and foreign policies.
It will undoubtedly be a severe test for the Biden administration to ease tensions at home and rebuild America's image and leadership internationally.
To sum up, the Biden administration faces a series of challenges and dilemmas, both domestically and internationally.
These issues are like an intricate web of problems, and every touch can cause a ripple effect.
Will the Biden administration succeed in unraveling these dilemmas and finding a way into the future?
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