"Determinism" is a strong word, but there's no doubt geography advantages the USA. Globally speaking, the USA took the high ground: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL82JEQhYAo

Unfortunately, that's a double-edged sword, innit? Painting yourself as king of the hill 👑 invites everyone else to boot you off. No one has ever yet been king of the hill for long.