Strategic Adversaries of the United States in the 21st Century

Strategic adversaries of the United States include both state and unstable international powers that challenge American influence on the world stage. In recent decades, the main adversaries of the United States fall into several categories:

1. China:
China is one of the main strategic adversaries of the United States, especially in the economic, military, and geopolitical spheres. In recent years, China has been actively expanding its influence in the world through the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening its military presence in the South China Sea, and building infrastructure that allows it to challenge American dominance in the Pacific region. China's military spending has been steadily increasing, and its goals include dominating the Asian region and becoming a global superpower.

2. Russia:
Russia continues to be a strategic adversary of the United States, especially in the context of political and military competition. Russian aggression in Ukraine, the annexation of Crimea, election interference, and destabilization of the international arena are the main points of tension in the relationship. Russia actively opposes NATO's eastward expansion and is also strengthening its influence in the former Soviet Union. Geopolitical competition between the United States and Russia also includes control over energy resources, strategic military bases, and control over key regions of the world.

3. Iran:
Iran is viewed by the United States as a strategic adversary due to its nuclear program, the armed groups it supports (such as Hezbollah and Hamas), and its influence in the Middle East, such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Iran has repeatedly questioned the existence of Israel, which is in direct conflict with American foreign policy, which includes support for Israel. The United States has attempted to contain Iran's ambitions through sanctions, support for allies in the region, and direct confrontation through military operations.

4. North Korea:
North Korea is another significant strategic adversary of the United States, primarily due to its nuclear program and aggressive foreign policy. Despite periodic attempts at diplomatic negotiations, North Korea continues to develop its ballistic missiles and nuclear technology, which the United States perceives as a serious threat to security not only in the region but also to global stability.

5. Turkey:
Despite the fact that Turkey is a NATO member, its actions in recent years have sometimes called into question its strategic compatibility with the United States. Under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has often made decisions that run counter to US interests, such as the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system, support for certain groups in Syria, and the attitude towards the Kurdish armed forces that the United States supports. This has created tensions in the relations between the two countries.

6. Arab countries and Islamic radical groups:
The United States actively counters extremist and terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, ISIS (Islamic State), as well as radical Islamist movements operating in the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. These forces often support anti-American sentiment and have committed numerous terrorist attacks against US citizens, making them strategic adversaries.

7. Anti-American International Movements:
In a number of countries, especially in Latin America, Africa and Asia, there is anti-American sentiment, supported by both governments and radical groups. For example, Cuba, Venezuela and some other countries are vocal critics of US foreign policy and seek to contain US influence in their regions. These countries support anti-American coalitions that can cause geopolitical tensions.

8. Cyberattacks and Hybrid Threats:
In recent years, cyberattacks and hybrid warfare have become an increasingly serious threat to the US. Russia, China and Iran have been credited with numerous cyberattacks against US systems aimed at hacking, election interference and disinformation. These threats are becoming a serious part of international strategic competition.

Thus, the strategic adversaries of the United States are primarily major world powers (China, Russia), regional powers (Iran, North Korea), as well as global terrorist threats and unstable states that challenge American influence and security on the world stage.