The US' publicized visits to Taiwan, ally round-up, balloon hysteria, and other shenanigans look pathetic and weak. A strong empire doesn't display its capabilities and popularity because its strengths are internally and externally apparent.

It's obvious the US lost its bloody grip on the world, and it feels the loss, yet hangs on like a desperate ex, pulling all the stunts to save what it once had. This stage of the "break-up" is the most volatile and irrational, and the US is dangerously shameless. We're in for a wild ride that won't be fun, but hopefully, we survive to see the end.