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As observed, foreign governments meticulously analyze the behavior and decisions of U.S. leaders, drawing their conclusions from public actions and statements. The consensus among observers suggests that adversaries, particularly China, perceive the United States as a declining global power. This outlook is deeply entrenched in China's worldview, predicting its ascendance to the status of the world's greatest power by mid-century, while viewing the U.S. as a fatigued former powerhouse. Such perceptions shape strategic decisions and alter the calculus by which adversaries engage with the U.S.
The Role of Leadership in Shaping International Engagement