How does the author define \"internal decline\" in the context of the US?
The author, Stephen Marche, defines \"internal decline\" in the context of the US as a multifaceted societal and political deterioration that has led to a perceived withdrawal from global leadership and a weakening of its influence on the world stage. This decline is characterized by internal divisions, a crisis in political legitimacy, and a waning of the American project's appeal to both its own citizens and the international community. Marche suggests that this internal weakening forces other nations to recalibrate their relationships with the US, effectively seeking their own forms of independence from American oversight and leadership.
### What is the central argument of Stephen Marche's opinion piece published on The Guardian?
The central argument of Stephen Marche's opinion piece, published in The Guardian on July 4, 2025, is that the world is effectively declaring its independence from the United States. Marche posits that the US, by retreating from the global order it helped establish and facing internal decline, has created a vacuum that compels other nations to adapt to a post-American world. This shift signifies a move away from American dominance, forcing allies and trading partners to reassess their strategies for self-reliance and to navigate a new global landscape without consistent US leadership.
### Why is the Fourth of July a significant date for this analysis?
The Fourth of July is significant for this analysis as it marks American Independence Day, a day historically associated with American exceptionalism and global leadership. By framing his argument around this date, Marche underscores the irony and the profound shift occurring: while the US celebrates its own independence, other nations are, in his view, effectively declaring their independence from American influence. This temporal juxtaposition highlights the perceived decline in American global standing and the resulting global recalibration that is taking place on a day symbolizing American power and ideals.
### How has the US withdrawal from the global order contributed to other nations seeking independence?
The US withdrawal from the global order, as argued by Marche, has created a void in international leadership and stability. When a dominant power like the US recedes or its influence diminishes due to internal issues, other nations are compelled to fill the void or forge new paths to ensure their own security and economic prosperity. This can involve strengthening regional alliances, pursuing independent foreign policies, or developing new economic partnerships. Consequently, the perceived absence of consistent American engagement and leadership encourages these nations to assert their autonomy and reduce their dependence on US guidance or support, akin to declaring a form of political or economic independence.
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## References
* https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/04/fourth-of-july-world-declaring-independence-united-states
