OUR WORLD is changing—that much is apparent as international conflicts continue to erupt in flashpoints in the 21st century.

Territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, for example, exhibit how nations seem to exist in an anarchic world order, with governments being involved in arms races and portentous military activities. Meanwhile, the Middle East in past years saw trends of democratization, as popular movements started to overthrow dictators and old political establishments.

For some, such as China, India and Brazil, the past years have been generally rewarding. But for others, such as the United States, it has been difficult and trying in many ways. Its struggles in asserting itself in the international arena, in rehabilitating its debt-ridden economy and in improving its image have led many to ask an important question: does the United States of America still remain as the world’s top power?

A myriad of gifts

Insofar as it was able to take advantage of a power vacuum, America’s rise as a superpower was similar to the rise of those who came before it. The last century was punctuated by several conflicts. The demise of imperial powers, such as Great Britain, came with the formation of new ones, like the United States. With several factors that gave it a competitive advantage, America’s emergence as a strong political entity was no accident.

The United States succeeded in the latter half of the 20th century, as its legal traditions, the rule of law, prevailing social values and considerable natural resources together allowed it to dominate in the unfolding historical upheavals.

“It was no surprise that we [the Americans] were able to become successful due to the fact that our ideals of democracy and capitalism enabled the government to possess not only cutting-edge technology but also a dynamic economy,” says management information systems sophomore Ernesto Escaler, who comes from California.

The United States’ economic and military strength grew almost limitless as it successfully participated and won against other would-be superpowers. Its undeniable victory against the Soviet Union as the Cold War winded down, for instance, proved this. America had arguably become the world’s only superpower, a reign that still lasts until now.

Chinks in the armor

While the United States is still one of the world’s strongest and most influential nations, its status as the world’s only superpower has become a subject of debate. Missteps, such as the financial crash in 2008, the skyrocketing debt, the dysfunctional partisan government and the repercussions of fighting a global war on terrorism, did not only cripple the country, but also tarnished its public image and stature across the world.

Adding to this is the seeming coming-of-age of new, potential superpowers like China, India and Brazil. There is also the reemergence of Russia in the international scene. These countries’ heightened prominence means that there are now several nations with extensive spheres of influence. These emerging powers regularly compete with the United States for political favors and natural resources.

The United States is now forced to admit that the rest of the world is catching up. Several studies claim that its reign will soon come to an end. For instance, according to the report of the National Intelligence Council (NIC) under Obama, entitled “Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds” announced last December 10, 2012, China said to be bound to surpass the United States as the world’s premier economic and military giant by 2030.

Hegemon under siege

NIC’s conclusion is a sobering find that has led people to believe that the United States’ role as the hegemon is under threat. One conflict that remains to test the current extent of American power and influence is happening in the Philippines’ own backyard, as China continues to assert territorial sovereignty over areas in the West Philippines Sea.

While it has no claim of its own in the said disputes, the United States remains involved as a relevant actor because of its power to aid smaller countries in the region, such as the Philippines. In effect, America’s maneuvers can also be understood as aid for its own interests—in this case, counteracting China’s rise in the region.

“The United States wants to remain as the hegemon, not as one of the hegemons. This is power politics,” says Ambassador Rosario Manalo, a career diplomat who is currently director of the European Studies Program. Such moves, she says, can be seen as attempts by the United States to reclaim influence in a region it once had superiority in.

For Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, nations that were once reliant on the United States are also not as needy this time around. “I think that the world has changed and the structure and the relationship [between the United States and the Philippines] have also changed,” he notes.

“What is important at this point is trying to make sure that there is convergence of interest among countries. This is the only way to make sure that the security concerns of nations are protected and promoted,” adds Hernandez.

Hernandez also highlights that the Philippines has made alliances not only with the United States. He says that ties with other countries, such as Australia and Japan, are enough to prove that the Philippines is not totally dependent on the United States.

Still standing

In hindsight, it is obvious that not everything lasts forever. History can be viewed as a graveyard of past empires. As flashpoints erupt all over the world and as up-and-comers continue to rise, however, the United States still seems poised to be among the world’s superpowers, at least in the near future.

The United States still has an economy twice the size of China’s. It has a military that is still the most technologically advanced and war-trained. And it has a technology sector that is arguably the most innovative. The United States may be bruised, but it most definitely cannot be counted out just yet.