Developments could herald the decline of US influence

ONE thing is clear: If you rely on the US for anything – demand for your exports or supply of critical high-tech products such as advanced semiconductors, financial aid or military protection – you could be increasingly at risk of being strong-armed by the new administration.

This is creating havoc in the short run, but in the long run it will create a new world order with a dramatic reduction in the country’s influence across the globe.

The first thing I want to point out is that this is not a rant against the new US administration’s policies.