Okay, hereS a breakdown of ⁢the key⁢ arguments presented in the provided text, focusing on the emerging challenges to US global leadership:

Core Argument:

The central thesis is that China ⁢and Russia are actively working to undermine the US-led international order and build a new world order centered around institutions and norms that challenge Western dominance. This isn't⁤ just about economic competition; it's ⁢a deliberate effort to reshape global ⁢governance.

Key Points &⁤ Supporting Evidence:

* Shifting Alliances & Permissive Environments: Countries are increasingly willing to accommodate ⁤Chinese⁣ and Russian interests, possibly at the expense of US allies and values. This includes:

* Increased Chinese investment and technology adoption in Asia and Europe.

*⁤ reduced support for Taiwan and Ukraine.

* ⁢ Adoption of Chinese telecommunications infrastructure (5G/6G) creating security vulnerabilities.

* Rise of Option Institutions: The US's ⁤traditional influence is being eroded by⁢ the growing importance of cross-regional institutions like:

⁤ ⁤* Shanghai Cooperation Institution ⁢(SCO): Presented as a key platform for China and Russia to promote their vision of global affairs. The Tianjin summit highlighted China's ⁣desire to move away from "house rules of a few countries." The SCO is establishing new financial institutions (development bank) and coordinating law enforcement/security initiatives.

⁢ * BRICS: Another ⁣grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) developing alternative⁢ financial mechanisms (development bank) and seeking to expand⁤ its influence.

* Asian Infrastructure⁢ Investment Bank (AIIB): China-led development bank.

* Global Governance Initiative: China's explicit effort to dilute Western influence in global institutions.

* Control & legitimacy: China and Russia have greater control over the institutions they lead (SCO, BRICS) than the US has over broader bodies like the UN or G-20. This allows them to experiment with "counter-Western initiatives" and present them with a veneer of global legitimacy.

* Expanding Reach: These institutions are actively seeking new "dialog partners" in the Global South, extending⁤ their influence beyond Eurasia.

* Endurance & Growth: Despite limitations⁤ (internal rivalries within SCO, mixed past results), the continued existence and expansion of these institutions demonstrate a sustained effort to build an alternative order.

Implications (as suggested by the text):

* Undermining US⁤ Primacy: The realignment of allies and the rise of alternative institutions ⁣threaten the foundations of ⁤US dominance.

*⁤ New Rules of⁣ the Game: China and Russia are attempting to establish new norms and rules for international relations that favor their interests.

* Increased Vulnerability: Adoption of Chinese technology could create security risks and leverage for Beijing.

* Need ⁢for US Engagement: The US needs to remain actively engaged in global affairs to prevent the most detrimental outcomes.

In essence, the article paints a picture of ⁤a world undergoing a significant power⁤ shift, with China and Russia actively challenging the US-led order and building a parallel system ⁢of institutions and alliances.