| Most argue that the US is not an empire because it doesn't, in general seek to occupy territory. I wonder whether that is the standard by which a modern empire should be judged. It was in fact never completely accurate for ancient empires either. Most empires used vasal states and proxies to hold their empires together and used mobile troops only to respond to problems and insurrections.
Modern technology makes physical occupation even less necessary. The US maintains large forces in Europe, Asia and has bases in over 200 countries. Its ability to project force at a great distance quickly would be the envy of any emperor.
The irony is that I suspect most Americans do not necessarily think of America as an empire, yet take for the grant the "right" to use military force to make others in other countries do what we want.
Rick
"When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." Sinclair Lewis |