The End of the American Age
The article argues that the ongoing war with Iran signifies the end of American global dominance that has persisted since World War II. It suggests that U.S. military power has decayed, leaving it vulnerable to cheaper, modern warfare tactics used by smaller regimes.
Why it matters
This analysis challenges the long-held assumption of American military invincibility and suggests a fundamental shift in the global balance of power.
The Iran war marks the conclusion of eight decades of global dominance.
Ed Ou / Reuters September 16, 2026, 6:50 AM ET Share Save The American age that followed World War II was bound to end eventually. What’s shocking is how suddenly that moment has arrived. In the past six months, America’s power—long exemplified by the world’s best warfighting equipment and most highly trained military personnel, a global network of bases and logistics systems, and military and diplomatic partnerships with all corners of the world—has proved insufficient to defeat Iran, a repressive, economically stagnant regime armed with cheap missiles and drones.
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