When I was in Elementary School, a U.S.-led NATO war in Yugoslavia took place. I became aware of the depth of anti-American sentiment in many parts of the world.

I told a few of my classmates, “I think America needs make more friends in the world, because we won’t be the most powerful country forever.”

One of my classmates responded absent-mindedly, “No, we’re always going to be on top.” And then went on to do something else.

I had the sinking feeling that I may have to live through an era when most of the Americans around me realize for the first time what it means to no longer be able to dictate terms to everyone—in a world where they’ve made enemies they don’t even know about.