Published: 12:00 AM, 19 April 2026
US Hegemony Confronts Unprecedented Challenges in Iran
Md. Shahin Hossain
The world has witnessed a devastating nuclear catastrophe for the first time led by the USA during the final days of world war II in 1945. This event acquainted the USA as an emerging power against the contemporary existing super power Soviet Union (later Russia), to the global sphere. The competition of being a dominant power between the USA and Soviet Union ahead was known as the 'Cold War'. However, In 1990, when the Soviet Union collapsed, the USA achieved exclusive power and started securing its dominance over the warring countries through its institutions like UN, WB, IMF, military, dollar system and global alliances, after that seemingly the USA becomes a host in himself as we witnessed the kidnapping of Nicholas Maduro, PM of Venezuela on 3rd January, 2026 marks the supremacy of US hegemony. It seemed the other countries are like a 'plaything' to the US.
But another side of the US hegemony needs to be scrutinized about how fragile its ideological dominance across the world we experienced in very recent years especially in Afghanistan and Iran. It is worth mentioning that, from the Vietnam war in 1965 to Iran-Israel war in 2026, America has not been able to achieve a complete and decisive victory in any major war as the researchers like Andrew Bacevich, John Mearsheimer and Donald Stoker mentioned in their famous books such as 'The limits Of Power,' 'The Great Delusion', 'Why America Loses wars' respectively.
In the context of ongoing Iran - Israel proxy war. The USA wanted to a quick attack on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, weaken the military and intended to change the Iranian regime. Therefore, US - Israel joint attack killed the supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several others so that the next layer of leaders could surrender and Iran would be a loyal state of US. But their dream soon turned into a nightmare. Yes, Iran attacked almost all the US military bases in the gulf region including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain in response. Falling into trouble amid the war, the USA started seeking a way of so called negotiation but Iran refused to agree. Rather it closed the strait of Hormuz that has stopped at least 20% of Oil supply. Even European allies, the NATO alliance stood on the sidelines during the crisis. It also highlights the weak presence of US. As a result, The United States suffered devastating military and economic losses. Report says, the 40-days of war cost Washington an estimated $35-$45 billion in military spending and the overall economic damage could exceed $200 billion. It clarified the irreparable loss to the country.
If we look at the physical presence of the USA in Afghanistan, in the name of 'war on terror' it conducted a massive invasion named 'Operation Enduring Freedom' to remove the 'Taliban' authority in the earlier decades of the 21st century we would find. In addition, it deployed a large number of US troops for twenty years, at least 2.6 trillion dollars has been invested as reported. An estimated 176,000–212,000+ people were killed in this war. at the end of the day, the USA failed to establish its interest and was forced to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. Eventually without any gain they ran away with their tails between their legs after being defeated with Taliban in 2021 despite having strong military. The Taliban has successfully reestablish their control over Afghanistan including the capital city of Kabul.
If we review the Gaza war, we see a global outpouring of deep seated anger against America in response almost every corner of the world. More than hundred universities including prominent university like Columbia, Harvard, MIT students along with general people raised their voice against the genocide sponsored by USA. Public protests were forcibly suppressed and hundreds were arrested.
These events create a new ideological challenge for America regarding freedom of speech and humanitarian issues which they proclaim across the world. According to an analysis published in 'The Lancet' by Michael Spagat, approximately 75,000 Palestinians have been killed that led US to a widespread condemnation. Moreover, the US-backed Gaza conflict reduces its popularity among its people and overextends foreign policy causing domestic discontent.
Instead of direct war, Instigating proxy war by igniting rebellion groups in different regions significantly in the Middle East, pushing other countries to sign with unparalleled deals express the fragility of US dominance across the World. This is because when a nation fails to deal with the issues ideologically it applies power whether it has public support or not. Besides, systematic racism, gun violence, mass shooting, big movements like 'Black 'Lives Matter, 'Me Too' etc often challenge its ideology. It will not be a day dream if American led world order collapses very soon and another super power replace the position.
Md. Shahin Hossain is a
student in Jagannath University,
Dhaka. He can be reached at
