Robert Kagan: We’re Transitioning to a Post-American World

In this pivotal episode of The Bulwark, Robert Kagan delivers a stark warning about the United States' transformation into a 'rogue superpower' following Donald Trump's aggressive military campaign against Iran. Kagan argues that the U.S. has abandoned its global leadership role, undermining NATO, alienating allies in Europe and Asia, and accelerating the decline of American influence. He critiques the strategy of relying solely on air power, which has failed to achieve regime change or strategic objectives, while causing massive civilian harm and strengthening Iran and China’s geopolitical positions. Kagan emphasizes that the war was not in America’s national security interest—historically, U.S. involvement in the Middle East was driven by global order maintenance, not direct threats to the homeland. With allies now disenchanted and regional powers like South Korea and Japan preparing to go nuclear or pivot toward China, Kagan warns of a rapid transition to a 'post-American world.' He concludes with deep concern over the risk of nuclear escalation, particularly under a leader with diminished judgment, framing the current moment as a historic inflection point where the U.S. may have irrevocably lost its credibility and strategic coherence.