US should move beyond era of American exceptionalism: The Hill

WASHINGTON - An opinion piece recently carried by US media outlet The Hill said that America's power today is not as mighty as it once was, and that the country should no longer hold onto the notion of American exceptionalism.

"The world has changed, yet our notions of American exceptionalism and worldview have not and, as a result, artificially constrain our understanding of the world stage, our policy and our ability to act," read the article dated Dec. 5.

It said that it is the actions by past administrations, both Democratic and Republican, that collectively contributed to the change in the global balance of power. "President George W. Bush's response to 9/11 and the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, President Barack Obama's poor handling of successive crises, the tone and style of President Donald Trump, the country's response to COVID-19 and Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan have all caused allies in Europe and Asia to question Washington's reliability -- a dangerous position for the country."

"Yet, as this playing field shifted, Washington remained slow to recognize this development. As a result, America continues to use the same tools to ineffectually attempt to affect change. Washington also fails to understand the countries and crises with which it engages, often reverting back to tired, old and inaccurate tropes despite bodies of expertise counseling against simplistic and hyperbolic narratives," it said.

"Perhaps more than anything, Washington needs to realistically reflect on its geopolitical power and adapt accordingly by adopting a measure of humility. For too long the United States has operated without making true trade-offs by merely assuming it can do everything everywhere, that its power and prestige are enough and the world has not changed. The reality today is much different and continuing to assume the contrary is the height of strategic arrogance and is dangerous for global security," it added.