Robert Ross (Professor, Boston College) analyzes the comprehensive decline of U.S. power relative to China, arguing that the U.S. has lost its dominance in manufacturing, shipbuilding, and applied technology and will require decades to rebuild its industrial base. He contends that U.S. alliances in East Asia are becoming less valuable as forward bases become vulnerable liabilities in a conflict, a trend exacerbated by Donald Trump’s transactional view that prioritizes a "G2" sphere of influence over defending small allies. Finally, Professor Ross warns that this power shift increases the risk of South Korea being entrapped in a Taiwan conflict via U.S. strategic flexibility and suggests Trump may bypass Seoul to manage North Korea directly with Beijing.