The waning influence of US' global leadership laid bare

The boos that greeted United States Vice-President JD Vance during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan's San Siro Stadium on Friday were more than just a spontaneous reaction to a politician who has abrasively criticized other countries. They are an indication of the growing discontent with the US' global stance under the current administration, particularly its unilateralism and abuse of the US hegemony, as exemplified by the US military's abduction of a foreign leader and its imposition of punitive tariffs on global trade.

The jeers in Milan underscore the transatlantic rift, which has been widening due to disagreements over critical issues such as Ukraine, tariffs and the US administration's controversial remarks related to Greenland. These tensions highlight the growing friction between the US and its European allies. As the US administration continues to pursue its unilateral, hegemonic policies, it risks further alienating its traditional allies, thereby putting even greater strain on the transatlantic alliance that has been a cornerstone of the US' global influence for decades.

An opinion poll conducted by the Danish Broadcasting Corporation on Feb 3 reveals that 60 percent of Danish respondents view the US as an adversary rather than an ally, while only 17 percent consider it a friend. The poll was conducted from Jan 21 to 28, which was after the US president's remarks in Davos on Jan 21, in which he said that he would not use military force to take over Greenland.

The results of the survey indicate that this negative perception of the US was broadly shared across different segments of Danish society, regardless of region, gender, age or political affiliation. This sentiment mirrors broader European skepticism of US policies, which run counter to Europe's long-standing commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.

The findings of a survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace show that even a significant portion of US citizens acknowledge a decline in the US' global influence. According to its survey released in January, 54 percent of US citizens polled believe that their country's global influence is waning, with 59 percent viewing the US as one of several great powers rather than the sole superpower. This shift in perception is particularly salient among young US citizens, who are less concerned about China's rise and more skeptical of the "American exceptionalism" narrative.

The boos in Milan are emblematic of the damage that has been done to the image of the US on the global stage by the administration's "America First" policies.

As the US continues to pursue that agenda, it will increasingly find itself at odds with other countries on the world stage — even allies — and increasingly be estranged from public sentiment at home.

If Washington wants to salvage the US' global image and influence, it should demonstrate respect for sovereignty and international law, and uphold fairness and justice in international affairs.

The world must adapt to an increasingly interconnected and multipolar order, rather than trying to hold back the tide of change with an outdated Cold War mentality and zero-sum games.

True greatness is not reflected in bullying others. Instead, it lies in shouldering due responsibilities, which for the US means being a source of stability and confidence rather than a source of instability and chaos.