America as an Empire

America as an Empire

America, a nation built upon the values of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,’ has been referred to as the most powerful country in the world. While some people praise the U.S. for this great triumph, others resent it. And despite this obvious victory, many of America’s leaders and policymakers suffer from an ‘inferiority complex,’ often feeling the need to act in ways that make the U.S. seem more superior. The actions exerted by America are reminiscent of a very outdated practice, called imperialism. This term has recently brought upon many arguments concerning the United States as an empire, particularly in the character and logic of U.S. domination that is at issue. America should not assert its economic, military, and cultural strength around the globe; for, it provides proof of its classification as an empire.

Those that oppose the idea of an imperialistic America have various legitimate, yet naпve opinions about the matter. One belief contrasting the idea, given by numerous leaders overtime, is that it’s America’s obligation as a free nation to share our independence with those lacking such. Conservatives encourage this approach, as they feel that the U.S. force is a “liberal force that promotes democracy” and at the same time weakens oppression, violence, “military aggression” and arms production (Ikenberry 38). The “nation’s genuine [idealistic]” support for those in need is often misinterpreted as dominating and predatory (Ikenberry 39). Although the United States exhibits similar qualities of power to that of Rome and Britain, it differs in the fact that it promotes the spread of democracy instead of its dominion (Ricks). In addition, to the expansion of social equality, America hopes to aid other nations in the process. The U.S. does not just “pursue its interest[s],” but provides order to countries that know of no such thing (Ikenberry 38). Although many rumors have been heard regarding the force of America’s help and support, all “terms […] are mutually” agreed upon by nation’s involved (Ikenberry 35). Many countries find the United State’s aid beneficial and even today it “[keeps] the peace” in several countries around the world (Ricks). Another reason the U.S. holds such a strong defense against other nations is to ensure American freedom. Americans value their free will and are “committed” to defending it; this means, “[deterring] any attack” we may have to face (Lens 27). The actions taken by America are “not purely selfish,” but really in the benefit of others who value the worth of liberty (Hanson). Despite much hate and skepticism about America’s genuineness, the acts are used solely “to keep the peace rather than rule” (Ferguson).

While those against America as an empire only exhibit naive and unrealistic arguments, there are many more valid facts indicating that America is an imperialistic force. Leaders, such as the president, are determined to spread “democracy” and deny any “predatory interests,” despite avid force on other nations (Fellow). It seems that after September 11, many more Americans are willing to “avenge the attacks” by going overseas to “remake the world” to resemble one similar to the U.S. (Fellow). These goals quite comparable to an empire can only be achieved with the assertion of America’s “supremacy around the globe” (Fellow). America is an empire, yet all the force and strength put into the role only creates burden. As the U.S. invades other countries to spread its democracy, “puppet governments” are formed to impose the rule (Hoffman). These types of governments almost always fail because the values that America holds are forced upon the weaker nations. America and its people are not “prepared for the burdens of empire” as they do not have sufficient funds or military to spread across the world (Goodman 9). With a decrease in resources as America expands its democracy, a decrease in allied powers will also occur (Ricks). The power that America holds is being pushed into countries, thus creating competitors and even enemies. Not only is the nature of America’s intentions imperialistic, but they also seem to be for a particular purpose, namely oil. Especially with the war in Iraq, Americans find themselves in an “‘asymmetrical’ conflict” (Hoffman). Soldiers find that battles in Iraq are unfair as they are not “set-piece” and soldiers do not “wear uniforms” (Hoffman). This makes it difficult and therefore unjust, “because we are fighting for freedom”, or instead, oil (Fellow).

With arguments about our intentions as that of an empire, debate over our foreign policy has also been brought to question. The military budget in our country has skyrocketed, and for what? Those opposing the argument say that defense is needed to ensure freedom, but defense should not be pre-emptive war. These types of actions have sparked