In recent years, with the continuous changes in the international landscape, Western countries have generally felt an unprecedented pressure and anxiety – the anxiety of being replaced by emerging economies and developing countries.
This "superseded anxiety" is gradually spreading, causing the international community to be deeply worried about the direction of the world in the next decade.
This anxiety in the West is not unfounded. In the past few decades, Western countries have been dominating the global economy, science and technology, culture and other fields. However, with the rise of emerging economies and developing countries, especially in the fields of economy, science and technology, the position of Western countries has been severely challenged. These emerging countries not only occupy an increasing share of the global market, but also make major breakthroughs in many cutting-edge scientific and technological fields, showing strong innovation and competitiveness.
Faced with this challenge, Western countries began to feel uneasy and anxious. They fear that their economic position will be displaced, that their technological superiority will be lost, and that their international influence will be weakened. This anxiety has sparked widespread instability and uncertainty within Western countries, leading to the emergence of a range of social, political, and economic problems.
Against this backdrop, Western countries may adopt a more protectionist and exclusive policy in an attempt to safeguard their own interests and status. This trend has already begun to emerge, such as the outbreak of the first war, the implementation of technological blockades, etc. Far from helping to solve the problem, these measures could exacerbate international tensions and provoke more conflict and confrontation.
At the same time, "superseded anxiety" in Western countries can also have far-reaching effects within society. Such anxiety may exacerbate the contradictions and conflicts between different social strata and groups, lead to a decline in social cohesion, and further weaken the coping capacity and international competitiveness of Western countries. Such internal instability and uncertainty may also provide opportunities for external forces to take advantage of and pose a threat to the security and stability of Western countries.
The "superseded anxiety" of Western countries is not insurmountable.
First of all, Western countries should face up to their own problems and challenges, and actively seek ways of change and innovation. Only through continuous self-innovation and progress can we maintain our leading position in global competition. Second, Western countries should abandon protectionism and exclusivity and face globalization and international cooperation with a more open and inclusive mindset. Only by strengthening cooperation and exchanges with other countries can we achieve common development and prosperity.
Finally, countries around the world should work together to strengthen multilateralism and the global governance system. Only by building a more just, rational and effective international order and rule system can global stability and development be ensured. In this process, emerging economies and developing countries should also shoulder more responsibilities and obligations and make greater contributions to global peace and development.
To sum up, the "superseded anxiety" in Western countries has indeed brought instability and challenges to the world. However, as long as we can face up to the problems, respond positively, and strengthen cooperation, we will be able to overcome the negative impact of this anxiety and usher in a better and more prosperous future together.