What evidence supports the claim that the world is declaring independence from the US this Fourth of July?

This opinion piece, published on July 4, 2025, by The Guardian, suggests that other nations are effectively declaring independence from the United States due to a perceived withdrawal from the global order and internal decline. The author, Stephen Marche, argues that America's diminished global influence is forcing other countries to adapt to a post-American world and forge their own paths.

### Why is this perspective emerging on the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July, traditionally a celebration of American independence, is used in this context to highlight a perceived shift in global power dynamics. The author suggests that the United States, which once championed a global order, is now retreating from it. This creates a vacuum that other nations are responding to by asserting their own independence from US influence, particularly in the context of economic and political strategies. The timing leverages the symbolic meaning of the holiday to underscore the argument about America's changing role.

### What specific factors contribute to this perceived decline in US global influence?

The opinion piece points to internal factors and political shifts within the United States as drivers of this perceived decline. While not explicitly detailed in the summary, it implies that a focus on domestic issues and a potential withdrawal from international commitments have led allies and trading partners to re-evaluate their relationships with the US. The article mentions Donald Trump as a figure whose administration's actions are seen as contributing to this crisis, prompting other nations to reconsider their national strategies for self-reliance.

### How are other nations responding to this shift in US global leadership?

According to the article, other nations are being compelled to adapt to a new global landscape where American leadership is less dominant. This is described as an "accidental revolution," where countries are, in effect, declaring their independence from American influence. This necessitates a strategic re-evaluation of their foreign policy, trade relations, and economic planning to navigate a world without a consistently leading US presence.

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### What is the broader significance of this trend for the future of international relations?

The trend signifies a potential restructuring of the global order, moving away from a unipolar world led by the US towards a more multipolar or fragmented system. This shift could lead to new alliances, economic blocs, and different centers of power. The author's piece suggests that this is not a deliberate uncoupling but rather a consequence of circumstances, forcing a global adaptation to a reality where nations must increasingly rely on their own strategies for survival and self-determination.

## References
* https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/jul/04/fourth-of-july-world-declaring-independence-from-us-stephen-marche