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US Hegemony Shows Signs of Decline, Writes Former Turkish Diplomat

The political alliance between former US President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk has collapsed, marking a significant shift in American power dynamics. What was once hailed as a partnership between the "world's most powerful man" and the "world's richest man" has devolved into public accusations and mutual blame.

According to Sol Haber columnist Engin Solakoğlu, this breakdown reflects deeper structural problems within US leadership and global influence. The former Turkish diplomat argues that while Turkey was preoccupied with holiday celebrations and domestic issues, international media extensively covered this high-profile political divorce.

Struggling to Deliver Campaign Promises

Trump's presidency has faced considerable challenges in implementing his ambitious agenda. Despite efforts to transform the Middle East into a region favorable to capital interests, significant obstacles remain. While developments in Syria and parts of Palestine may appear favorable to Trump's administration, his broader regional strategy faces resistance.

The promised resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has also proven elusive. Trump's strategy to "domesticate" Russia and distance it from China shows no signs of success. Instead, Russia appears to be drawing closer to Beijing's political, military, and commercial orbit, as evidenced in recent India-Pakistan tensions where Moscow adopted a notably less India-friendly stance.

Economic Warfare Falters

Trump's trade war with China, centered on escalating tariffs, has produced mixed results. The tariff strategy resembles an elevator, constantly rising and falling without clear evidence of significant damage to China's economy. Beijing has maintained a defensive posture, waiting for its opponent to exhaust itself through aggressive posturing.

Solakoğlu notes that the short-term impact of Trump's tariff gambit will likely create severe inflation in the US, particularly affecting the poor white voters who form a significant portion of his electoral base.

Wealth Built on Public Resources

The conflict between Trump and Musk reportedly stems from budget proposals that would reduce incentives for Musk's investment sectors. This highlights tensions within American capital between "innovative and clean" high-technology production and traditional industries resistant to environmental standards.

Musk's wealth, like other capitalists, relies heavily on public resources. His companies have received over $15 billion in Pentagon contracts, as well as billions more in tax breaks and incentives. This dependency makes his position as the "world's richest man" potentially precarious without continued government support.

The breakdown suggests that America's decline represents a potential gain for humanity. However, Solakoğlu warns that meaningful progress depends on preventing another form of capital dominance from simply replacing US hegemony.

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