U.S. in 2025: 24% of global GDP, 750 military bases, and leadership in technology and culture sustain its global influence – Gateway Hispanic

In a remark that once echoed across political spheres, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright proclaimed that the U.S. is the “indispensable nation.” This notion inspired late journalist Carlos Alberto Montaner to task me with penning a book entitled “The Indispensable Nation,” aimed at illuminating the distinctive roles and contributions of the United States in the global arena.

Montaner envisioned that all 174 American embassies and 98 additional consulates would eagerly present this book to dignitaries and influential figures. He anticipated a similar enthusiasm from the U.S. government, particularly after the establishment of the State Department’s Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs post-9/11.

Upon completing the manuscript, Montaner enlisted Víctor Manuel Rocha, a distinguished Colombian-born U.S. diplomat, to advocate for the project. Rocha’s illustrious 40-year career included positions such as U.S. Ambassador to Bolivia and Deputy Chief of Mission in the Dominican Republic. Over a lunch in Miami, as we chatted about the visa exemption for Argentines and Uruguayans—a suggestion Rocha proudly claimed credit for—I couldn’t have imagined that he would later face serious charges, accused of being an undercover agent for the Cuban government.

Regrettably, the book never saw the light of day.

Montaner once remarked that “the U.S. is not inclined to blow its own horn.” Perhaps that was Rocha’s understated way of expressing a broader sentiment. As someone who has spent six decades trying to fathom the American spirit, I can attest that Americans often seem too absorbed in personal pursuits to concern themselves with justifying their government or its actions. While they take pride in their system, it often doesn’t extend to the act of amplification or missionary zeal.

In this analysis, I will elucidate how American “missionary” activities subtly manifest across the globe, often under the guise of commerce rather than ideology. Coca-Cola exemplifies this, as its product is enjoyed worldwide, produced locally, and conveying a message that transcends cultural boundaries. Meanwhile, Procter and Gamble’s Tide detergent finds itself in 56 countries, further testament to this quiet global influence.

In the U.S., commonly referred to as “America,” terms like “American exceptionalism” and “the American Dream” circulate amidst varied interpretations. I invite readers to ponder whether these descriptors capture the essence of their subject matter, as the book’s intention and this article’s purpose are to shed light on notions that often elude deeper contemplation. Living in a land ripe with opportunities can indeed overwhelm, leading to a form of provincialism—exemplified by the singular use of “America” while neglecting to acknowledge the nations that share the name.

From St. Louis, Missouri, navigate in any direction and you could traverse for days while remaining in the same country—English-speaking and distinctly American. I have driven across vast stretches of the U.S., tuning into Spanish-language radio stations, experiencing firsthand the myriad cultures intertwined within this supposedly provincial nation. Few countries boast such experience with immigration, as Italians and Irish have seamlessly blended into the American tapestry, just as the Latino community—formerly labeled “Spanish” or simply “Latins”—now proudly identifies as Hispanic, integrated even within the merit-based U.S. military.

The interactions between diverse diasporas—such as Indians, Koreans, Iranians, Arabs, Filipinos, Mexicans, and Caribbean peoples—paint an intriguing picture of the U.S.’s multifaceted identity. Within corporate spaces, merit prevails over discrimination, paving the way for entrepreneurial ventures like Korean dry cleaners and Indian motels flourishing across the nation. Even prominent figures from these communities, such as Coca-Cola’s Cuban-American CEO Roberto Goizueta, highlight this interconnected success.

The stereotype of American ignorance about global geography isn’t due to a lack of effort. My extensive experience in the educational publishing realm for nearly four decades illustrates that U.S. publishers employ top-tier scholarship to cultivate international awareness among children. It’s not an issue of indifference; rather, it resides deeper in the American consciousness.

Looking ahead, two significant events—the World Cup and the upcoming 250^th anniversary of the United States—are poised to command national attention. This is a far cry from the days when Americans were blissfully ignorant of global engagements, as demonstrated by the failed metric system rollout in the 1970s.

The world’s stage is evolving, particularly with BRICS nations—led by India and China—soon poised to challenge traditional American hegemony with their collective population exceeding 3 billion.

What is the Specific Weight of the USA in the World?

GDP Share of World GDP: The U.S. comprises about 24%–25% of global GDP, solidifying its position as the largest single economy. Yet, this figure is notable considering the United States houses only about 4% of the global population—347 million people in 2025.

The Dollar as Reserve Currency: The U.S. dollar dominates international transactions, engaged in over 80% and being the primary reserve currency held by central banks globally, with around 59% of reserves in USD.

Foreign Direct Investment: U.S. multinational corporations lead in global investments, with recent patterns suggesting a redirection of U.S. FDI from China to nations like Mexico, India, and Vietnam.

Investment Incentives Under President Trump: In his inaugural year of his second term, Trump implemented policies to stimulate foreign investment in the U.S., aiming to collect tariffs on imports. To date, over $214 billion has been collected, with significant commitments from countries like Saudi Arabia and Japan—a total tally approaching $2.8 trillion from various sources.

Pax Americana is Pax Trumpiana: Peace Through Strength

Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength” seems to be an inspiration for Trump, who harkens back to the nation’s emblem—the eagle gripping arrows on one side and an olive branch on the other.

Military Spending: The U.S. allocates more to military expenditure than any other nation—over $900 billion annually, clinching nearly 40% of global military spending, more than the next ten nations combined. Additionally, the U.S. plays a pivotal role in NATO and other international military coalitions.

Global Military Presence: With a sprawling network of military bases across the world, the U.S. maintains unparalleled strategic reach, with 128 military installations spread over 49 nations and U.S. territories, totaling approximately 750 bases globally.

American Lakes:

The Pacific Ocean can be viewed as an “American lake,” surrounded by U.S. territories from Alaska to Hawaii, Guam, and beyond. Similarly, the Caribbean, with its robust U.S. naval presence, projects American power into the region, evidenced by recent maneuvers near Venezuela.

Moreover, the Mediterranean functions as an American lake, thanks to bases in Spain, Italy, and other NATO allies bolstered by a longstanding partnership with the UK, often termed as the U.S.’s “aircraft carrier” in Europe.

Nuclear Deterrence: The U.S. safeguards global peace through its nuclear triad, which includes submarine, land-based, and air-powered missiles that assure deterrence worldwide.

The Space Force: A recent innovation under Trump, this military branch extends American reach into both cyberspace and outer space, ensuring that the U.S. keeps the high ground in future conflicts.

Military Intelligence: Encompassing 16 agencies, the U.S. intelligence community closely collaborates with allies like Israel and the Five Eyes countries to maintain significant intelligence capabilities.

Internet Origins: The Pentagon’s investment in the ARPANET in the 1960s birthed the Internet as we know it today—an innovation that transformed global communication.

American Innovations: The U.S. holds a plethora of globally influential innovations, from mobile phones and the light bulb to more niche creations like the chocolate chip cookie and the microwave oven.

Diplomatic Achievements:

America’s global leadership is embodied not just in direct military presence but through active participation in international institutions such as the UN (with its permanent Security Council seat), IMF, and the World Bank.

Soft Power Dynamics:

While American pop culture and companies continue to shape global trends (with the Big Tech giants capturing vast market shares), American films, music, and sports resonate on a worldwide scale. U.S. universities attract over a million international students yearly, reflecting a commitment to education that elevates American influence even further.

As influential as American culture proves to be, the country’s civic organizations, from the Red Cross to the Peace Corps, weave a rich tapestry of soft power that carries American values globally.

Religious missions have also taken root worldwide, from Mormons to various Protestant denominations, carrying both faith and American culture with them—akin to bees spreading pollen among flowers, fostering a wider American presence outside its borders.

Ironically, even as American influence permeates numerous spheres, reports of its imminent decline—a prediction once filed away for Japan and now China—seem rather premature. Mark Twain’s adage that “the report of my death was an exaggeration” may serve the U.S. well as it braces for another significant chapter in its long history, with its 250^th anniversary awaiting celebration!

Frank Rodríguez, Senior Fellow, MSI²

Originally published by the Miami Strategic Intelligence Institute, a conservative and nonpartisan think tank specializing in policy research, strategic intelligence, and consulting. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Institute.

For more information, visit www.miastrategicintel.com

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of Gateway Hispanic.

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