The Department of Political Science, Jagannath Barooah University, organized an insightful talk programme on “The Anatomy of Decline: Assessing the Structural Erosion of US Global Primacy” on 30 April 2026 at the New Conference Hall of the University. The invited speaker for the event was Dr. Farzia Yashmeen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, Teok C.K.B. College.
The programme commenced in a warm and engaging atmosphere and was ably anchored by Ms. Pranchi Neog, a student of UG Sixth Semester. The formal proceedings began with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Subhasish Sarmah, Head of the Department of Political Science, who introduced the theme of the lecture and welcomed the distinguished speaker.
In her lecture, Dr. Farzia Yashmeen traced the historical rise of the United States as a global hegemonic power and linked its ascendancy to the expansion of the liberal democratic order following the end of the Cold War. Referring to the concept of “hyperpower,” first popularized by Hubert Védrine, she explained how American supremacy was consolidated through military dominance, the strategic continuation of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and the perceived legitimacy of U.S.-led interventions across the world.
Dr. Yashmeen further discussed how the post-September 11 attacks security environment reinforced U.S. global authority by framing certain states as threats to international order. She highlighted the structural foundations of U.S. primacy, including economic deregulation, leadership in global financial institutions, and cultural hegemony. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of American media and values in shaping a near-monopoly over global narratives during the post-Cold War period.
The latter part of the lecture focused on the gradual erosion of U.S. dominance. Dr. Yashmeen identified the rapid economic and military advancements across Asia, Africa, and Latin America as significant developments narrowing the gap between Western and non-Western powers. She emphasized the growing assertiveness of the Global South and the emergence of new centers of power challenging the unipolar international order. The speaker also examined China’s strategies to reduce dependence on the U.S. economy and the U.S. dollar through diversification of trade and currency arrangements.
A particularly engaging segment of the talk explored India’s strategic autonomy in the evolving world order. Dr. Yashmeen outlined the transformation in India–U.S. relations and noted India’s increasing emphasis on market diversification and the internationalization of the Indian rupee. She also discussed India’s relations with countries such as Iran and its participation in multilateral forums such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which contribute to balancing global power structures.
The lecture was followed by an interactive and thought-provoking question-and-answer session, during which students and faculty members engaged with the speaker on issues such as currency wars, the future of global governance, and the prospects for a multipolar world order.
The programme concluded with remarks by Dr. Pinky Das, who reflected on the significance of the lecture and thanked the speaker for her illuminating presentation. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Prajalita Mahanta, bringing the event to a successful close.
The talk programme provided students and faculty with a valuable opportunity to critically examine contemporary transformations in international politics and to deepen their understanding of the changing nature of global power relations.