This article is the 1^st of a series in which from different angles we are going to explore, analyze and why not imagine an ideal global axis of power that delivers…just that, the power of a results-driven action despite inefficient institutions, contradictory leadership and disempowered citizens.

The search for a global axis of power demands a close analysis of the US new approach to foreign affairs and their aim to become a different –maybe innovative- player on the global political scenario.

The withdrawal of American military troops from Middle East supposes –no doubts- an extremely powerful decision, although, only if its preceded by a responsible action that fulfills the space left.

Decades of American status quo in the Middle East or, better said, of growing ineffective and counterproductive action of fighting the seudo_called “terrorism”, demand a strong action beyond a simple “withdrawal”. Yes, we need to revise the own definition of terrorism and measure responsibilities one by one, seeing each crisis in local terms and from a self-critical focus. Is it not that foreign military presence is not needed; indeed, extreme violence can only be ended by a fierce response, however, not as it has been done till now. The way the US found to fight back was based on: financing paramilitary groups, biased interests, fueling hate among the groups, constant violation of IHL –particularly about protection to civilians- and an obscure leadership. The negative results are evident and what can be resolved by just changing certain aspects of American military presence, it results in a radical position that includes an outrageous reduction –or even cancellation- of humanitarian aid.

When things get out of control, as happened with the unsustainable American strategy in the Middle East, we need to go into extremes and an anti-aid, anti-solidarity, anti-globalisation, anti-integration position work as an scenario of cold isolationism as a way to break with a consolidated authoritarian and aggressive establishment.

If isolationism is the answer, is time to explore it through new lenses up to current challenges and context: technology, globalization, crises of global nature,, etc.. If not, there is it just a Zero-sum game that is not going anywhere –not even for US.-

In terms of expectations the US has become a sort kind of “Police of the world”, sadly it turns to be a “big monster” that takes arbitrary and violent decisions without accountability and even worse, without results for peace in the region.

Fortunately, on a recent speech from President Donald Trump, it makes it clear: “we do not want to be Police of the world” and they should´t, as it is an expectation wrongly generated through several generations of American Presidents. After all these decades there own national crisis gets exposure and contradictory private interests and underneath violence is literally destroying the dream of an America as the “land of the free”.

Decisions as withdrawal from global institutions as UNESCO are building a devastating scenario towards the search for a global axis of power. I agree that United Nations as a whole has become a giant bureaucratic monster that does not deliver, although its also a place to find negotiated solutions and boost a world based on dialogue and common action and not one-leader-Nation action.

Let us hope that these decisions are just that, impulsive response to a global rusty system that needs to be reshaped and not the end of global coordination and America as a facilitator that searches for cohesion and a syncopated action.

 Is it just about that: reshape, innovate, re-create and by sure, decentralize and make it smaller and lighter. The symbol of the United Nations, a big building in New York is so far from reality and the real needs of the people that it has become a satellite that accompanied crises without a harmonically rhythm on effective action.

 The same is happening with the European Union, Brussels becomes also a giant that does not deliver, a philosophy that keeps its structure but not their goals, the struggle of Europeists that have loss leadership and, as a result, a deliberative institution not able to stop processes as Catalonia, Brexit or extreme nationalism.  For a simple reason: it is too centralized and each European country has become “submitted” not a true influencer demanding a steady pro active strategy of reforms. In the last years the message towards an “even closer Union” gain power, especially after Brexit, however, is not the strategically moment for it. A ship that is sinking is not prepared for long trips, but short ones within reparations and a new Captain. We arrived at a point of no return and the European ship must stop in the harbor for reforms to be able to sail again with renewed strength and equipment.

As the picture, searching for a global axis of power demands climbing the stairs within a fuzzy view, without knowing what we will find at the end.

*Natural Museum, London.