The article argues that the post-Cold War era of U.S. unipolarity, established by the perceived invincibility demonstrated during the Gulf War, has ended. This decline is driven by globalization and technological diffusion, which have democratized advanced military capabilities, allowing regional actors to challenge major powers. Consequently, policymakers must prepare for a more volatile international order marked by frequent crises, heightened costs for securing global trade chokepoints, and reduced predictability from American power. The new rules dictate that great powers can no longer effortlessly impose their will through force.
President Trump’s Approval on Inflation Is Now Worse Than President Biden’s Ever Was
English Summary
Trump's approval rating regarding inflation has hit a historic low (-44%), surpassing the worst points recorded during both his and Biden's presidencies. This decline is attributed to persistent price increases, driven by energy shocks and geopolitical conflicts, which have pushed consumer prices above cumulative year-on-year wage gains. Economically, the failure to achieve falling prices, despite campaign promises, is eroding public confidence. Strategically, this deteriorating affordability trend poses a significant political risk for Trump, as economic stability and cost of living are paramount concerns for voters in the current election cycle.
中文摘要
川普就通貨膨脹的支持率已跌至歷史低點(-44%),超越了其任期和拜登任期記錄的最低點。此下滑歸因於持續的物價上漲,這些上漲源於能源衝擊和地緣政治衝突,導致消費物價超過了累積的年增工資增長。從經濟角度來看,儘管其曾做出相關的競選承諾,但未能實現物價回落,正正在侵蝕公眾信心。從策略角度來看,這種惡化的可負擔性趨勢對川普構成重大的政治風險,因為經濟穩定和生活成本是當前選舉週期中選民至關重要的關注點。
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