The end of World War II marked a seismic shift in global power dynamics. The United States emerged as not just a victor, but as the world’s superpower and self-styled “global policeman.” A thriving political system and a free-market capitalist economy, which fostered the development of a small number of extraordinarily wealthy billionaires, supported its rise. This wealth concentrated into the hands of a few did not simply stay in the economic realm; it bled into politics, seeping into the core of the legislative process. These corporate titans, wielding immense influence, began to dictate policies to suit their own economic interests, quietly steering the trajectory of both the domestic and international landscape.

Over time, these billionaires evolved into a shadow government, with their economic interests becoming indistinguishably intertwined with the country’s political interests. With wealth came power, and with power came control—the power to shape free trade agreements, influence domestic policies, and even help decide who sits in the Oval Office. Regardless of political leanings, whether right, centre, or left, the grip of these individuals over U.S. politics tightened.

Free Trade, Free Reign

One of the most strategic moves was the promotion of free trade agreements between countries. The aim? To open the world’s closed, self-sufficient economies to the so-called “opportunities” of globalisation. While this was sold as a means to global prosperity, it carried an underlying agenda: the pursuit of more extensive economic influence across borders.

Economies like China and India, which once thrived on self-sufficiency, were compelled to open their doors to international corporations. However, the expected result—a world economy steered by the U.S.—did not come to fruition. What occurred instead was something the American corporate oligarchs never predicted. China emerged not only as a key player in the global economy but as “the world’s factory.” The United States, in its bid to become the undisputed economic leader, inadvertently outsourced its own economic dominance.

The COVID-19 Realization

The precariousness of this economic structure became glaringly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S., which once held the reins of global influence, found itself entangled in supply chain issues and grappling with an over-reliance on China for manufacturing. The pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities in America’s economic power and underscored China’s growing dominance.

Yet, while the country struggled to contain the virus and maintain its influence, one group thrived—the very billionaires who helped create this global economic paradigm. Their wealth multiplied as they capitalised on the pandemic’s economic shifts. In stark contrast, the broader U.S. economy faltered, exposing a decoupling between the interests of the few at the top and the nation as a whole.

A New Power Centre: Beijing Takes the Lead

With the U.S. losing its grasp on global dominance, these corporate billionaires seemed to shift their focus and operations. Today, China is increasingly becoming the economic epicentre for these global elites. What appears on the surface as China’s rise to global superpower status is, in fact, a transfer of influence facilitated by these same billionaires. The facade is different, but the puppeteers remain the same.

This is not to say China is unwillingly playing its role. On the contrary, China is keen to assert itself as the world’s new policeman and superpower. However, it is these behind-the-scenes influencers who fuel this ambition, seeing in China a fresh opportunity to extend their control and continue their relentless pursuit of power and wealth.

From One Empire to Another

Though the geographical epicentre of economic and political power is shifting from Washington to Beijing, the world order remains largely unchanged. The primary beneficiaries are still the same corporations and billionaires who once wielded their influence from the U.S. Now, the stage is simply moving to a new theatre. It’s a seamless transition of power, as the same powerful few continue to navigate, dictate, and benefit from the global economic and political landscape.

In essence, the shift we witness today is not so much about a changing world order as it is about a change in venue. The same game is being played, just on a different field. As China embraces its new role, it does so with the invisible hand of these global billionaires guiding its policies and economic strategy.

The bottom line? The global chessboard may look different, but the players remain the same, carefully orchestrating moves to maintain their grip on power and control over the world’s wealth and influence.

Balvinder Ruby
[Author of “New World Order: The Rise of Transnational Corporate Republic” and “Climate Conundrum: The Agendas and Forces at Play”]