Further Reflections on the End of “Pax Americana”

A little more than 15 years ago, at the height of the Arab Spring and shortly after the war in Afghanistan officially became the longest war in American history, we here at Tomorrow’s World commented on America’s decreasing capacity (and desire) to serve as a referee or policeman on the world stage, and then again in June of 2022. Many could see that the so-called “Pax Americana” was coming to an end. How far have we seen the world progress towards the time when the United States would no longer play a major role in global security, and what can we expect in the coming years?

We now see a world even less keen on the idea of a strong United States serving the same leadership role. It is appropriate, at this time, to review the parallels between the fall and decline of ancient Rome and the current state of American influence.

At the height of its power, Rome controlled approximately 5 million square kilometres of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Nearly 25% of the world’s population lived within the borders of the powerful empire, and its influence reached even further. Historians often use the phrase Pax Romana to refer to a period of relative peace that brought about an explosion in literature, culture, and technology.

The peace was achieved because there was only one, undisputed superpower. Any region considering independence, or any border nation considering provoking conflict, was given pause by the overwhelming threat of Rome’s response. Similarly, at the height of American power, the world was a safer place. This is not to say that rebellions, conflicts, and wars did not happen, only that their frequency and impact was lessened.

While the United States military even now remains a dominant force in the world, the evidence that a weakened America is causing the world to become a less safe place is abundant. Large-scale conflicts have raged in Ukraine, Ethiopia, Gaza, and Iran, as well as civil wars in Syria, Sudan, and Myanmar. According to NPR, “If you’ve been thinking it seems like there are more wars raging in the world… you’re right and the data proves it” (“Conflicts are on the rise globally, at the highest level since WWII, data shows,” June 9, 2026).

A chart published by Our World in Data provides a statistical case of note. The chart tracks the number of deaths of combatants and civilians due to fighting, using a per 100,000 people metric, including both international and civil conflicts. Looking at several decades of data provides a startling reality—that the era of Pax America is indeed gone. In the decade ranging from 2000 to 2009, 0.44 deaths due to conflict were recorded per 100,000 people. From 2010 to 2019, that number more than doubled to 0.95. Now we see that the first half of the current decade is not faring any better, as from 2020–2025 the number has doubled again, reaching 2.08.

A report provided by AsiaLink from the University of Melbourne shared this assessment: “Actions beget reactions. America’s withdrawal from active leadership has coincided with the emergence of conflicts around the world. As Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has observed, “There are flashpoints everywhere. You can see violence and conflicts in the world going up. Countries can act with greater impunity against international law with less consequences” (“Pax Americana is over: What comes next and how will it impact Southeast Asia?” December 5, 2025). The article goes on to state: “While the U.S.-led international order is fraying, it is less clear what type of order will emerge in its place.”

It is sad to see our world facing such uncertain times, but no world order built by man lasts forever—indeed, the Bible prophesied of a hopeful future, though great turmoil will precede that future as this world’s systems come to an end.

Long-time readers of Tomorrow’s World magazine know that the decline of the United States, along with increasing conflict and chaos around the world, was described more than two millennia ago in the pages of the Bible. Knowing the true identity of the American and British-descended peoples is instrumental in understanding what comes next. If you have not already done so, read online or order the free booklet The United States and Great Britain in Prophecy. This book offers vital insights into why America’s time is coming to an end and explores the wonderful fact that a better world is coming!