The America that can say no :: Mmegi Online

NEW YORK: Early this month, Kyrgyzstan's president Kurmanbek Bakiyev went cap in hand to Moscow to ask for financial aid. To make his request more palatable, Bakiyev announced that he was demanding that the United States close its airbase in Kyrgyzstan, which resupplies NATO troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Similarly, late last year, Iceland's government asked Russia to help bail out its banking system, while Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari visited China in hopes of securing an emergency infusion of cash.

Some observers cite these episodes as evidence of decline in America's international clout. But there's a larger point: so far, except for relatively small sums offered to the Kyrgyz, Russia and China haven't offered much help.

Amid much talk of a "post-American world," many observers see a shift from a US-dominated international order toward a multipolar system, in which countries like China, Russia, and several others compete for global leadership on a range of common challenges and risks.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

Explore

More

The America that can say no

Its seventh heaven for pork lovers

Maun to get intimate with Ronald’s artistry

Maikano Serenaders to elevate chorale

Major Moves brings another rib-cracking session

Ratie is My Star 2024 winner

Dops Baipidi releases Ke Moya

Makgadikgadi Walk makes way for Epic

Tribunal rules in Zakhem's favour

Women unite for progress