As we celebrate Columbus Day, we honor the exploratory spirit that paved the way for the Western world’s transformative influence, particularly through the British Empire and, later, the United States, whose global presence has been a cornerstone of modern prosperity. The British laid the groundwork by abolishing slavery in their empire by 1833, setting a moral and legal precedent that the U.S. would follow after its Civil War. Post-World War II, the U.S. led the creation of a global order—Pax Americana—characterized by the policing of international borders, the establishment of financial systems like Bretton Woods, and the promotion of trade and transport networks. This system, underpinned by the rule of law and reciprocal agreements, has lifted billions out of poverty, with global extreme poverty rates plummeting from 90% in 1820 to under 10% today, a feat unmatched by any prior civilization.

The U.S., through its network of military bases and diplomatic influence, has maintained this postwar consensus, ensuring stability in global trade routes, maritime security, and legal frameworks that foster economic growth. From the Marshall Plan’s rebuilding of Europe to the liberalization of markets in Asia, the U.S. has driven unprecedented economic expansion, with global GDP per capita rising over 400% since 1950. This prosperity hinges on the reciprocal rule of law, where nations adhere to shared standards of fairness in commerce and governance. The British and American commitment to these principles—rooted in Enlightenment ideals—has created a world where innovation, mobility, and opportunity flourish, far surpassing the fragmented efforts of earlier empires or systems.

Yet, this hard-won global order faces a deliberate challenge from China, which seeks to undermine Pax Americana in favor of a return to authoritarian, agrarian-based empires that prioritize control over reciprocity. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road, China exports debt-driven infrastructure, often bypassing transparent legal standards, while its domestic policies revive centralized control reminiscent of pre-industrial autocracies. This model threatens the interconnected, law-based system that has sustained global prosperity, as China’s actions—from currency manipulation to territorial aggression in the South China Sea—challenge the open trade and mutual accountability that underpin modern wealth. On Columbus Day, we are reminded that the legacy of exploration and the Anglo-American framework it birthed remain vital to defending the world’s unprecedented prosperity against such regressive ambitions.