Sorry, seems like we are speaking past each other. Considering that everything you have just said may very well be true, I believe what the original question me

Sorry, seems like we are speaking past each other. Considering that everything you have just said may very well be true, I believe what the original question meant to ask is "how is the [modern-day] US a preferable super power to [the other modern-day options]". I do not think the original question was engaging in a thought experiment of "almost true" realities or alternate histories.