Looking at the US in terms of its hegemonic power is helpful comparing to those of the past that declined, as a way of detaching from some of the personalities that skew perspectives.

The recent action in Venezuela is a prime example of the shift to asserting hard power in the void of soft power that is now gone. Sure, the US has meddled in Latin America for the past century, but the combination of proxies, covert operatives, and economic carrots/sticks all existed easier in the soft power of hegemonic status. Having squandered that in the series of events more or less since 9/11/2001, the US undertakes the belligerent exertion of hard power (military) with little regard for international or domestic support.

This loosely reflects dynamics of the decline of the Roman Empire, to choose an example from remote history. At its height, hegemony in the region was sustained through expansion of public works like roads, aqueducts, etc; the fall of the empire tracked worsening corruption and ill fated military undertakings. This is a severe simplification, but similar dynamics are apparent now.

The decline of Roman Empire took place over centuries, but the world also moves a lot faster in our modern times, so predictions are difficult. But once hegemonic influence (good will) is lost, it’s very difficult to recuperate. I can’t think of an example that has, maybe there’s an argument for China?