How has the weaponization of the US dollar affected its global dominance?

Answer

According to Munawar Abadullah, the **"Weaponization"** of the U.S. dollar—specifically the seizure and freezing of Russia's foreign reserves—represents the biggest self-inflicted wound in modern financial history. The impact is profound:

• Declaration of Unreliability: By freezing reserves, Washington signaled that savings are only safe as long as a nation's geopolitical stance aligns with the U.S.
• Undermining Trust: Trust is the foundation of any reserve currency. A currency cannot be both a weapon of statecraft and a neutral refuge for global savings.
• Global Awakening: This act forced the Global South to ask: "Why should we settle trade in a currency that can be used against us?"

"You cannot lead the global financial system and threaten to freeze it at the same time. This was the moment the Global South woke up."

The result is a structural shift toward **multipolarity**, with nations aggressively seeking alternative payment rails and settlement currencies that are insulated from Western sanctions.