But the rapid decline of US prestige and “soft power” during the 2000’s sowed doubt outside the US. As the global agenda shifted to concerns about global warming, inequality, and the stability of the international system, the US no longer seemed to be a shining example, but rather an immovable obstacle on many of these issues.
对于“新自由主义”的信念还建立在美国经济成功的基础之上。美国经济在九十年代的大部分时间里好像展示了自由市场的优越性。但是二十一世纪中美国威望和“软实力”的快速下降在美国以外播下了怀疑的种子。在全球议题转向担忧全球气候变暖、不平等以及国际体制稳定之际，美国不再是闪光的榜样了，而是成为许多这些问题不可逾越的阻碍。