The international system is increasingly shaped by several centers of economic and political influence. The United States remains a major power, but it must operate in a world where partners pursue their own interests and emerging states have greater room to maneuver.
A multipolar system rewards flexibility. Washington must distinguish between issues where cooperation is possible and areas where strategic competition is unavoidable. Allies also expect more consultation because they do not want to be treated simply as instruments of another country’s strategy.
The central skill is coalition-building. In a complex world, influence comes less from commanding everyone and more from assembling durable groups around specific goals.