What is dollar hegemony? In our latest infographic, we unpack the outsize influence of U.S. dollar over the world economy, how it creates endless cashflow for U.S. militarism, and how sanctioned nations are building new international financial systems outside of the U.S. monopoly

Following World War II, the ascendant U.S. forged a new international financial system, based on the dollar standard and U.S. dominated institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Backed by the ultimate power of the U.S. military, U.S. bonds are considered the safest asset in the world. Which is why more than 60% of foreign exchange reserves are held in the U.S. dollar, giving the U.S. unparalleled control over the world economy.

Seeking financial sovereignty, countries targeted by sanctions are turning to de-dollarization. Iran and Venezuela sidestep have conducted oil trade with the yuan; Russia, China, and India are working on an international payment system outside of the U.S.-backed SWIFT system.

Dollar hegemony is a core aspect of U.S. unipolarity. It gives U.S. the power to dictate exchange rates, cash flow, and to bar "enemy nations" from international trade.

We hope this resource cuts through the jargon to explain the life and death stakes of ending dollar hegemony!

We hope that educating about U.S. dollar hegemony not only underscores why the U.S. has strong control over global financial systems but also highlights the efforts of countries like China, Russia, Venezuela, Iran to create alternative financial systems that challenge the U.S.

The U.S. dollar hegemony does not mean the world's countries have no power to stand up to U.S. hegemony. In fact, countries like China, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba everyday defy U.S. sanctions and create alternative systems—and endure the blistering punishment of the U.S. as a result.

In fact, ALL countries—especially the U.S.' powerful allies that enforce U.S. hegemony such as the UK, France, Australia, Japan, South Korea—have a responsibility to reject U.S. dollar hegemony rather than use it as an excuse to go along with the U.S.' sanctions and warmongering.