American cultural dominance persisted across the first two internet decades.

Evidence

As much as this book attempts to offer a global cultural history of the twenty-first century, the focus on the most influential individuals admittedly overrepresents the United States. Despite decades of globalization, American cultural dominance persists through Hollywood films, Silicon Valley platforms, streaming TV shows, and pop idols. There was also a notable decline in influence from previous cultural powerhouses: The UK’s dominance in pop music faded, as did the centrality of French, German, and Italian auteurs in cinema. That said, international cross-pollination has accelerated, with American culture now facing competition from Latin and Caribbean pop, European luxury brands, Korean music and beauty products, Japanese streetwear, and Scandinavian fast fashion and hygge. — W. David Marx, Blank Space, 36