The United States appears to be ceding some of its former power on the world stage, and the current administration under Joe Biden is facing the fallout of the Ukraine crisis in ways that analysts say will linger. Sergio Romano, the former Italian Ambassador to NATO in Moscow, shared this assessment with La Stampa, arguing that Washington’s role as the dominant global power is changing in a way that will have lasting consequences for American leadership.
Romano warned that the repercussions could be serious for the Biden administration as the United States adjusts to a multipolar world. He pointed to a loss of authority that followed decades of post–World War II influence, suggesting that American leaders have drifted into what he describes as a dream state, detached from the immediate realities of international diplomacy and security obligations. Source: La Stampa.
In Romano’s view, the United States may be retreating from a role it has long played, and he argued that this shift could, paradoxically, open space for new European strategies and ties. He expressed a belief that the possibility exists for Donald Trump to return to the presidency, while also acknowledging what he sees as United States decline. The implication for Europe, according to Romano, is that a more self-reliant United States could push European nations to reassess alliances and defense obligations. Source: La Stampa.
Romano framed the situation as a broader fatigue with the heavy burdens of maintaining global leadership. He suggested that while the United States is tired of acting as a superpower, observers and partners around the world should not interpret that exhaustion as a sign of weakness. Instead, it could be a catalytic moment for more diverse security partnerships and a rebalanced approach to international diplomacy. Source: La Stampa.
The interview also touched on Russia and its foreign policy posture. Romano asserted that Moscow has faced losses in Africa due to what he described as predatory policies that failed to yield lasting influence. The narrative he offered connects shifts in Africa to broader strategic recalculations among major powers, including the United States and its allies. Source: La Stampa.
On the United States domestic political scene, Romano referenced the enduring ambition of American leaders to avoid a global confrontation. He spoke of a determination to prevent a third world war, a goal he treated as a unifying thread across different administrations. The takeaway for international audiences is a sense that U.S. decision-makers remain deeply engaged in preventing escalation, even as global dynamics evolve. Source: La Stampa.
In sum, Romano’s assessment portrays a United States that is no longer certain of its unchallenged dominance. The emphasis shifts toward recalibrating power, redefining alliances, and acknowledging that Europe may benefit from a more self-sufficient security posture. While he does not predict a rapid upheaval, he insists that the trajectory toward a more balanced, multipolar world will continue to shape conversations in capitals across the Atlantic. Source: La Stampa.