" In the aftermath of 9/11 and in the build-up to the invasion of Iraq, few questioned the idea that the United States was likely to be the extant superpower for several decades to come. Few anticipated how quickly the neoconservative project would run into the sands – or that China would rise so quickly. "
- Martin Jacques

In the wake of the September 11th attacks and amidst preparations for the invasion of Iraq, it was widely believed that the United States would maintain its status as a dominant global superpower for many years to come. This perspective held that American influence and military might were unchallenged and likely to remain so well into the future.

However, this quote suggests a more complex reality. It points out that while there was an overwhelming consensus about America's enduring role as a superpower after 9/11, there was also an undercurrent of optimism or perhaps naivety regarding the sustainability of American dominance and the neoconservative agenda. The phrase "run into the sands" implies that the ambitious plans to reshape the Middle East and spread democracy faced significant obstacles and setbacks, leading to their eventual failure. Simultaneously, the quote highlights how China's rapid economic growth was underestimated at the time; this unforeseen rise challenged the notion of America’s unchallenged supremacy.

The author of this quote is Martin Jacques, a renowned British academic, journalist, and commentator on Chinese affairs and global politics. Known for his insightful analysis on contemporary China and its impact on the world stage, Jacques has authored several books including "When China Rules the World," which explores how China’s emergence as a major economic power reshapes international relations and challenges traditional Western dominance in geopolitics.