The Post-American World: Release 2.0

The New York Times bestseller, revised and expanded with a new afterword, provides an essential update on America's shifting position in world affairs. Fareed Zakaria’s international bestseller highlighted the “rise of the rest”—the emergence of countries like China, India, and Brazil—as a defining narrative of our time, shaping the future of global power. Since then, the trends he identified have accelerated beyond expectations. The 2008 financial crisis disrupted the United States and other advanced economies, while emerging markets have surged, fueled by economic growth, nationalism, and a desire to influence their own destinies. In this edition, Zakaria analyzes this evolving landscape, drawing lessons from historical power shifts over the past 500 years. He explores the challenges America faces, particularly political decline as other nations gain prominence. To adapt, Washington must transform its global strategy from a dominating hegemon to a pragmatic, honest broker, focusing on power-sharing, coalition-building, and legitimacy. These formidable tasks are crucial for the nation that has long held a central role in global affairs. As America enters a new global era where it no longer holds unmatched dominance, the question remains: can it continue to thrive?