Defense News and Headlines

There Is Only One Sphere of Influence

The article argues that the United States now enjoys a unique, uncontested sphere of influence across the Western Hemisphere, anchored by overwhelming military spending and deep economic integration. By contrast, China and Russia lack the capacity to establish comparable regional hegemonies, leaving them confined to coercive, short‑term tactics. This asymmetry gives Washington both unrivaled power and a secure base from which to project force, while prompting allies to rebuild their own defense and supply‑chain resilience. The piece warns that the one‑sphere reality can breed complacency and heighten the risk of conflict with the two great‑power challengers.