Proano, Christian R.Christian R.Proano0000-0002-5148-7635Hümmrich, MartinMartinHümmrich2026-08-072026-08-072026https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/116621The dominance of the U.S. dollar in the global financial system remains the key pillar of international trade and monetary stability but faces growing challenges in a rapidly changing world. Historically rooted in the Bretton Woods system and the establishment of the petrodollar system, the dominant status of the U.S. dollar has shaped global economic structures for decades. However, coordinated efforts of the emerging powers within the BRICS+ community of states and the rise of decentralized cryptocurrencies are beginning to challenge its hegemony. These developments have significant implications for Europe and ultimately Germany, where economic dependence on the U.S. dollar raises concerns about monetary sovereignty and geopolitical influence. At the same time, these developments open opportunities for greater financial diversification and the promotion of strategic autonomy. Analyzing the key factors influencing the dominance of the U.S. dollar and the current challenge to its future offers important perspectives. It can help European actors to develop diplomatic strategies to be able to act in an appropriate way in an increasingly multi-polar and dynamic supranational financial environment.engU.S. dollar dominanceBRICSanchor currencyexorbitant privilegeseigniorageoil and commodity tradeinternational financial systemgeopolitical conflictsde-dollarizationdollar hegemony330articleurn:nbn:de:bvb:473-irb-116621x