The President’s Inbox A New U.S. Grand Strategy: A Return to Spheres of Influence, With Sarang Shidore
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Jun 24, 2025 Sarang Shidore, Director of the Global South Program at the Quincy Institute, dives into the complexities of today's geopolitics. He discusses the concept of spheres of influence and its relevance in modern diplomacy, showcasing shifts in power dynamics, especially between the U.S., China, and Russia. Shidore highlights the rise of nationalism in the Global South and its effect on foreign relations, urging a more collaborative global approach. He warns against hasty foreign policy decisions, advocating for a strategy that aligns actions with American values.
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Definition of Spheres of Influence
- A sphere of influence is a geographic zone dominated implicitly or explicitly by a great power.
- It often involves great powers agreeing to govern areas they haven't annexed, implying domination rather than benign influence.
19th Century Peace Was Unequal
- The 19th-century spheres of influence, exemplified by the Congress of Vienna, maintained European peace for nearly 100 years.
- However, this peace was illusory for colonized peoples in Africa and Asia, who faced high colonization and exploitation.
Spheres Can Limit Conflict Risks
- Spheres of influence are appealing because they promise conflict limitation during great power transitions.
- Yet, modern great power conflicts risk nuclear escalation with heavier existential costs than in the past.