‘THE SUPREMACY OF THE US DOLLAR :
causes and global response’
Submitted by : Submitted to :
Abhay ram Dr. C.D.Lakhlani
Reg. no. : 2072124018
The US Dollar (USD) is the world's most dominant reserve currency.
- Accounts for over 58% of global forex reserves (IMF, 2024).
History of USD :-
1944 Bretton Woods Agreement*: Established the USD as the global reserve currency, backed
by gold.
1971 Nixon Shock : USD became fiat currency, but retained dominance due to global trust in
US economy.
Post-WWII economic stability: The US emerged as the largest economy with unmatched
global influence.
Causes of US Dollar Supremacy :-
Economic Stability:
- Largest and most diversified economy.
- Safe-haven asset during crises.
Petrodollar System:
- Oil transactions primarily in USD.
Global Trade and Investment:
- USD facilitates ~88% of forex trades.
- Preferred for international trade settlements.
Trust in US Institutions:
- Independent Federal Reserve.
- Stable political system (historically).
Benefits of Dollar Supremacy :-
For the US :
- Low borrowing costs (seigniorage).
- Control over global monetary policies.
For Other Countries :
- Stable reserve currency.
- Easier access to global trade and credit.
Global Criticism and Challenges :-
1. Economic Imbalance:
- US debt financed by foreign reserves.
- Creates dependency on USD.
2. Weaponization of the Dollar:
- Sanctions and trade restrictions affect nations like Russia and Iran.
3. Currency Risks:
- Fluctuations impact developing economies .
Global Responses :-
De-dollarization Efforts :
China: Promoting yuan through Belt and Road Initiative.
BRICS Nations: Push for alternative currencies.
EU: Strengthening the Euro.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs):
Countries exploring digital alternatives to reduce USD dependency.
Regional Trade Agreements:
Promoting local currencies in trade.
What is BRICS ?
BRICS is a group of 5 emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. They
aim to promote economic cooperation, global governance, and sustainable development. De-
Dollarization Strategies
Local currency trade: Trade between BRICS countries using their own currencies, reducing
dependence on the US dollar
Alternative payment systems:
Developing systems like SPFS and CIPS to reduce reliance on SWIFT, a US-dominated payment
system.
Reserve currency diversification: Investing in other currencies and gold to reduce dependence
on the US dollar.
Future Outlook :
USD likely to remain dominant in the near term.
Rise of multipolar currency systems.
Need for international cooperation for global financial stability.
Conclusion :-
• The US Dollar’s supremacy is deeply rooted in economic and political factors.
• Challenges are emerging, but responses are fragmented.
• The global financial system is evolving, but trust remains key.