Who wants to live in a world dominated by China’s authoritarian regime? A world where dissent is crushed, critics vanish, and basic freedoms are denied? Where social credit systems determine your every move, childbirth is restricted, and freedom of speech and religion are nonexistent? Nobody in the free world does.

China’s growing influence isn’t hypothetical; it’s a clear and present danger. From the disappearance of tennis star Peng Shuai after speaking out against sexual assault to the imprisonment of Hong Kong activists without fair trials, the pattern is clear. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) doesn’t just rule its own citizens with an iron fist—it seeks to impose its values globally.

The question is, how do we stop China’s march to global dominance? The answer lies in America staying strong and reclaiming its leadership. That’s why “America First” is not just a slogan—it’s a necessity.

The current global balance, while imperfect, has largely worked to uphold freedom and prosperity. Capitalism triumphed over socialism, lifting billions out of poverty. Even China, while politically authoritarian, adopted market reforms that transformed its economy. Yet, the free world’s progress is under threat—mainly due to internal decay within its leader, the United States.

The U.S. national debt has soared to $36 trillion, with interest payments set to exceed defense spending by 2025. Bureaucracy, taxes, and regulations are driving businesses offshore. Americans are burdened with a credit card debt of $37,000 per capita, while inflation erodes purchasing power. These trends weaken America’s ability to project strength.

The Pentagon, which oversees $4.1 trillion in assets, failed its financial audit for the seventh consecutive year. Astonishingly, it cannot account for 60% of its holdings—more than $824 billion. How can America lead the world if its own house is in disarray?

Meanwhile, the “woke” agenda has weakened America’s military and cultural standing. Policies that prioritize ideological quotas over merit create vulnerability. While China militarizes artificial islands and surrounds Taiwan, America debates pronoun usage in its armed forces. Such priorities are a gift to adversaries like China, Iran, and the Taliban, who view them as proof of American decline.

The disasters of the past few years—from the humiliating withdrawal from Afghanistan to unchecked aggression by adversaries—underscore the consequences of weakness. Under “woke” leadership, the U.S. has retreated from its role as the world's leading power. This vacuum emboldens authoritarian regimes and jeopardizes global stability.

“America First” means reversing this trajectory. It means a return to strong economic policies, reduced debt, and a military focused on readiness, not social engineering. It means leaders who prioritize national security and sovereignty, ensuring the U.S. remains a beacon of hope for the free world.

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan was a wake-up call for allies and adversaries alike. Thirteen soldiers were killed, and desperate Afghans clung to departing planes. The Taliban, once driven to the margins, are now back in control. This is not leadership; it’s a cautionary tale of what happens when strength is replaced by passivity.

“Woke” policies undermine military effectiveness. Lowering standards to meet ideological goals weakens readiness. Recruiting overweight, unqualified personnel while sidelining battle-tested veterans sends the wrong message. America’s enemies, from Tehran to Beijing, aren’t intimidated by “diversity quotas” in the military. They are emboldened by them.

The free world doesn’t need a U.S. distracted by exporting democracy or waging endless wars. We need a strong, stable ally with a robust economy and a modern, efficient military. Allies like Europe must also step up, contributing their fair share to collective defense rather than relying on American taxpayers to shoulder the burden. President Trump’s push for increased NATO spending proved that tough love works. We need more of it.

European allies have seen firsthand the cost of flawed U.S. foreign policies, from interventions in the Middle East to the destabilization of Ukraine. We don’t need another Hillary Clinton-style “reset.” Instead, we need a U.S. that respects its allies as partners, not projects.

America must also focus on reinvigorating its domestic strength. A healthy society, free of the epidemics of obesity, drug abuse, and declining life expectancy, is foundational to global leadership. Without this internal resilience, even the strongest military cannot sustain its influence.

China is playing the long game, and the free world cannot afford complacency. The CCP has weaponized trade, technology, and propaganda to extend its influence. The Belt and Road Initiative has trapped developing nations in debt, while Chinese tech companies export surveillance tools to authoritarian regimes. China’s ambitions aren’t limited to Asia—they are global.

This is where “America First” becomes indispensable. A strong, self-reliant America is the only force capable of countering China’s rise. The U.S. must rebuild its manufacturing base, secure critical supply chains, and decouple from Beijing where necessary. Dependency on Chinese goods and technology only strengthens the CCP’s hand.

Furthermore, America must lead by example, showcasing the benefits of freedom, innovation, and democratic governance. It must act decisively to protect allies like Taiwan and ensure that authoritarianism does not go unchallenged.

“America First” isn’t isolationism; it’s realism. It’s about ensuring America is strong enough to lead the free world while respecting the sovereignty of its allies. It’s about focusing on domestic strength—economically, militarily, and culturally—to deter threats and maintain global stability.

For too long, America’s leadership has been undermined by misguided priorities. Endless wars, ideological crusades, and reckless spending have eroded its standing. It’s time to refocus on what matters: strength at home and credibility abroad.

The world needs a strong America to counter China’s ambitions, deter rogue states, and inspire hope. Without it, the free world risks falling into chaos.

For the sake of freedom, prosperity, and stability, we need “America First.” The free world cannot afford to wait.

George Harizanov is the CEO of the Institute of Right-Wing Policies in Sofia, Bulgaria.