Never since the US became the world’s predominant power during World War II has there been a similar decline in its international influence. Even during the Vietnam War and following its humiliating withdrawal from Southeast Asia, there was never any serious doubt about America’s authority and ability to deal with what was then the central strategic challenge, the Cold War.
自从美国在二战中崛起，成为世界上的主导力量，其国际影响力还从未经历过类似的衰落。即使在越战期间，以及从东南亚狼狈地撤退之后，人们也从未真正怀疑过美国应对冷战这个当时的核心战略挑战的权威和能力。