Sea power and the meaning of Pax Americana

Is Pax Americana over?

Not yet under this test: a leading power can be challenged and still retain primacy if it remains able to set the international agenda.

The comparison with Pax Britannica challenges the idea that a dominant power must be so strong that nobody fights it. Britain remained the leading power while facing repeated challenges and wars. By analogy, the United States can still occupy the leading position while rivals contest its preferences. The useful test is whether it retains enough power to shape the agenda while conflict continues.