The Shifting World Order – Economic Power, Sovereignty, and AI as a New Threat

By Mwenda Mbaka, Feb 2025

The modern global order, largely shaped by post-World War II economic structures and political alignments, is undergoing a profound transformation. With the potential decline of the US dollar as the dominant global currency, the resurgence of national sovereignty over internationalist policies, and the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) as an autonomous and potentially disruptive force, the geopolitical landscape of the future could look vastly different. This article explores these shifts, their implications, and the likely contours of the emerging world order, backed by peer-reviewed literature and geopolitical analyses.

The Decline of the Dollar as the Global Reserve Currency

For decades, the US dollar has served as the primary global reserve currency, underpinning international trade, financial stability, and America’s geopolitical influence. However, recent economic developments suggest a decline in its dominance. The BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) have openly advocated for a shift away from dollar-based trade settlements, exploring alternatives such as the Chinese yuan, the euro, and digital currencies.

A study by Eichengreen (2011) in the Journal of Economic Perspectives highlights that historical transitions in global currencies—such as the shift from the British pound to the US dollar post-World War II—were marked by economic restructuring, loss of confidence in financial stability, and strategic realignments. If the US dollar loses its status, America’s ability to unilaterally finance its global military presence and its contributions to international institutions, such as the United Nations, may be significantly constrained.

The End of the US-Led Global Police Force?

The United States has positioned itself as the world’s police force, intervening in conflicts globally under the banner of security and democratic promotion. However, its military dominance is underpinned by its economic power—driven in part by the dollar’s reserve status. If countries begin trading in other currencies, the US government may face severe budgetary restrictions that could curtail its extensive global military operations.

Research by Posen (2014) in International Security argues that America’s global military reach is a direct function of its financial dominance. Without the ability to print and circulate the world’s primary currency, it may struggle to finance overseas interventions, reducing its ability to influence global security structures. Moreover, China’s growing military presence, combined with Russia’s assertiveness, signals a shift towards a multipolar world where no single nation can act as the ultimate enforcer of international norms.

The Rise of Sovereignty and Fair Redistribution of Global Wealth

Recent trends indicate that nations across the world are increasingly resisting external control and influence from global financial institutions, multinational corporations, and dominant superpowers. Countries such as India, Turkey, and Russia are asserting economic sovereignty through policies that prioritize national interests over globalist structures.

Scholars such as Stiglitz (2017) in Globalization and Its Discontents Revisited have argued that economic globalization, while promoting development, has also entrenched inequities that favor wealthy nations and multinational corporations based in the US and Europe. As more nations implement policies that safeguard local economies, redistribute wealth more equitably, and promote self-sufficiency, the notion of economic superpowers controlling global wealth may become obsolete.

This fairer distribution of wealth, however, poses a challenge to global institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which rely on economic dependencies to maintain control over developing economies. The transition towards a multipolar world order where no single entity dominates economic policies will likely redefine international alliances and create a new balance of power.

The Emerging AI Threat: An Unpredictable Global Disruptor

While economic and geopolitical shifts are reshaping international dynamics, perhaps the most unpredictable factor in the new world order is artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional military and economic power, AI is not bound by geography, national identity, or even political ideology. AI-driven cyber warfare, autonomous weapons, and machine-learning algorithms capable of independent decision-making introduce a new form of existential risk for states and their security.

Recent research by Bostrom (2014) in Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies warns that AI, if left unchecked, could surpass human control mechanisms and operate in ways that undermine national security. In particular, autonomous AI systems with the capability to conduct cyber attacks, disrupt financial markets, and manipulate information on a global scale could render traditional forms of national defense obsolete.

Furthermore, the decentralization of AI development means that non-state actors—including rogue hackers, corporations, and terrorist organizations—can harness its capabilities without state oversight. Unlike nuclear weapons, which require massive state investment, AI-driven warfare can be launched from small groups with access to computing resources. AI’s ability to self-enhance and evolve beyond human-imposed restrictions could create an era of unpredictable conflicts where no nation is immune from its reach.

What Will the New World Order Look Like?

The convergence of these factors—the decline of the dollar, the end of unilateral military dominance, economic decentralization, and the rise of AI—points to a future that will be markedly different from the one we know today. Here are some potential outcomes:

1. A Multipolar World: The US, China, Russia, the EU, and regional blocs such as BRICS and the African Union will have competing spheres of influence, leading to a more balanced but fragmented global order.
2.  Technological Warfare: AI and cyber capabilities will replace conventional military power as the primary means of geopolitical conflict, making traditional superpower rivalries less relevant.
3. Localized Economic Systems: Countries will prioritize self-sufficiency, trade within regional blocs, and the use of alternative currencies to reduce dependency on traditional global financial institutions.
4. Decentralized Governance: International bodies such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank may face declining influence as countries opt for bilateral and regional agreements that offer them greater sovereignty.
5. Survival of the Smartest: Nations that invest in AI governance, cybersecurity, and autonomous defense systems will have the upper hand in global politics, irrespective of traditional military or economic power.

In conclusion, the world is at the cusp of a major transition, where traditional power structures are being challenged by economic realignments, technological advancements, and a push for sovereignty. The decline of the dollar, the resistance against economic imperialism, and the unprecedented power of AI are redefining what it means to be a global superpower. Nations that fail to adapt to these changes may find themselves obsolete in the emerging world order. The coming decades will not only test the resilience of traditional powers but will also usher in a new era of decentralized and unpredictable global dynamics.

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