It has long been said that, “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck”. This so-called “duck test” implies that one can identify a subject by observing its characteristics. By this standard assessment, we can then ask, is the United States an empire? The answer, according to the duck test, is a rather definitive yes. However, a nation is more complex than a mere duck and therefore, I believe that there is merit in the argument that slapping this label on the United States can at times be inappropriate and distracting. For this reason, I lean more toward the argument that the United States is in fact, not an empire, but rather a hegemony that is too often mislabeled. In order to fully critique and analyze these opposing arguments, I will define the term “empire” then identify, compare, and contrast the assertions of each position. The terms in question are often used interchangeably, but are at the same time drastically different from one another; each carrying its own implications and complexities.”Empire has a territorial dimension and implies control over subjects” whereas the term hegemony “refers to more informal means of persuasion and subjugation of other players in the international arena. Empire is a more realist and military system, while hegemony is more liberal and institutional” (Grondin et al., 2006: p. 217). Oftentimes, “When the term "empire" is used about the American role it refers to an informal hierarchical structure”. This is to say that, “empire simply means a hierarchical system of political relationships with one power clearly being much stronger than any other” (Keohane, 1991: p.437) The greatest problem that results from defining empire in this way i... ... middle of paper ... ...he discussion of this difficult topic. Of course we can utilize the duck test to determine whether or not the United States looks like an empire and acts like an empire--possibly even bringing us to the conclusion that it does in fact have these characteristics--but this does little more than scratch the surface of this complex question. In order to truly analyze this concept, we must go “beyond incidental observation and look at the historic big picture” (Grondin et al.,2006: p. 219). Though this debate will never result in a definitive answer, based on an understanding of America’s position and power within the international community both in the present and the past, I firmly believe that characterizing America as an “empire” is inappropriate and hyperbolic and should only be used as a situational description as opposed to an indefinite assertion.
As the United States developed into a world economic power, it also became a military and political power. Certain things led Americans to become more involved in world affairs, such as territorial growth. There were also consequences to the nation’s new role, like conflict between citizens and people of power. United States government and leaders had to learn the “hard way”, the challenges and negativity that they would face, such as loss of money and lack of control between certain nations, and the positive effects such as expansion of territory and alliances.
The interests of the Empire, physical security, economic prosperity, value preservation, and value projection, remain. However, our objectives: colonial expansion, and recognition as a world power, however, must be reexamined. The Empire does not
In ancient times, there was a country of stupendous power and might. A nation which amassed a military like no other, grew an economy so strong that it seemed everlasting, and established a government that stood for its people. It appeared that this was the country to set an example for all countries that followed. It was the behemoth of prosperity. It was the great Roman Empire. It seemed as though this country’s reign would never end, but this was far from the truth. For with great prosperity came a dreadful plummet and eventually collapse. This was the unfortunate fate of all powerful nations, including that of, dare it be said, the United States of America. The all powerful and unbeatable nation which reigned its dominant influence over the entire world. Surely, it could never have fallen. However, that statement would be considered nonsensical if directed toward the once almighty and all powerful Roman Empire. Thus, it could not be stated for the “Great Experiment” (USA). Which was why the comparison between the two, very similar, superpowers was logical. Clearly, the Roman Empire which had striking parallels to the United States was a foreshadowing of America’s fate: Inevitable collapse. Both superpowers had vastly similar economics, foreign influence, and government, of which, Rome had experienced an unfortunate decline. Thus, comparisons could be made between how Rome and America rose to power, began to lose their power, and eventually, how Rome fell and how America might have fallen.
The United States has had a changing view on the management of foreign policy from neutrality to a defender of democracy. It is characterized by the Monroe Doctrine during the 20th century that states no American interference in European affairs unless the democracy of the western hemisphere were to be threatened. This ideology was later abandoned with the entering of the U.S. in WWI, WWII, and the Vietnam War. The immigrants of this nation were the backbone of the working class that enabled for the U.S. to prosper economically in an open trade. As an established super power the United States has had a series of world relationships that began in 1877 to the progression of today that established the fundamental values of American exceptionalism.
The 19th century set the stage for different policies that lead to the extending of America’s power, which is defined as imperialism. Imperialism started for different reasons like the Americans wanting the U.S. to expand or explore the unknown land, or even some feared existing resources in U.S. might eventually dry up. The reason imperialism started doesn’t really matter, but more of what it caused. Imperialism lead to Cuban assistance, the addition of Hawaii and Alaska to America, and Yellow Journalism.
...versal definition of the “civilized nation,” a notion first encountered in the Monroe Doctrine. The parallelism of the issues of textuality lends credibility to the assertion that the Roosevelt Corollary was a natural political evolution from the Monroe Doctrine. America’s turn of the century militaristic power coupled with the continuous dissipation of the institution of direct colonialism during the same period produced an international landscape in which America no longer had to rely solely upon “ideological proliferation” in order to avoid entanglement with European imperialistic interests in the Americas. While Roosevelt’s Corollary extended the reach of the Monroe Doctrine (both physically and ideologically), an understanding of both document’s respective ties to a deeper adherence to imperialism reveals an evolutionary connection rather than a corruption.
The United States is considered to be an empire it can be compared to the Romans and the Mayan’s. Most of the history books, websites, and encyclopedias all end with the same message when it comes to the crumbling of empires, the lesson is that little overlooked details could derail hundreds of lives. Little mistakes have happened in the past with other empires where it all came down to techniques of farming. Though the quality of life may be on the rise for Americans, there are many things that they have done in the past that may affect what may happen in the future. The many things that have happened will lead to destruction of one of the greatest empires that has survived and thrived for so long. The top most pressing problems that could
...illing to go so far as to use the word empire. I’m not suggesting that the “imperial” actions by the US are any less sinister than the policies of the British and should be just ignored because the word empire doesn’t apply. But in my opinion, the word empire and all it connotes is just not an apt word to describe the United States.
It is somehow strange for today’s reader to find out that the situation with America’s foreign affairs hasn’t changed much. As some clever people have said, “The History book on the shelf is always repeating itself.” Even after nineteen years, Americans think of themselves as citizens of the strongest nation in the world. Even after the September the 11th. Even after Iraq. And Afghanistan.
In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, Imperialism was a popular trend among the large, powerful countries. Imperialism is defined as “The policy of extending a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political hegemony over other nations” Imperialism cannot be said as either good or bad, but as a general rule; If you live in an annexed country, imperialism is not good, if your country annexes smaller ones to gain profit, land, and respect, then imperialism is good. The United States was not much of an imperialistic country until we won the Spanish-American war. As a result of this war, we annexed Guam, The Philippines, and Puerto Rico. This is the point at which the US becomes and imperialistic nation, and though it was a hard struggle to keep these annexed countries under control and eventually gave them all back to their rightful owners. The importance of taking these countries is that we then could have coal stations around the world to fuel our navy, and we got respect from other countries around the war. This respect and intimidation helped the allied powers defeat the central powers during World War II. Ever since the US became the most powerful nation after the Spanish-American war, we have retained the title.
“While stands the Coliseum, Rome shall stand; When falls the Coliseum, Rome shall fall; And when Rome falls - the World.” Lord Byron. This essay will discuss the similarities of military, economics and systems of government between the Roman Empire of the 6th century BCE and the United States of America of the 20th century. History has revealed that all superpowers fall eventually, although much time has passed since the glory days of Rome we see in 2015 the largest superpower in charge, the United States. There are many similarities that can be drawn between the American superpower and the Roman Empire such as the same founding of government and both dominated in military, as well as economic similarities. This leads to the conclusion that because the rise to power between the two powers was so similar, the downfall will be equally parallel.
“Involvement in two world wars and the Cold War transformed America into a “crusader state” convinced of the superiority of its institutions and way of life and intent on imposing them on the outside world. ” Whether fought at home or abroad every war is to impact all parties involved.
The United States briefly had the temptation of imperialism when it emerged as a world power a century ago, but the interlude of formal empire was not much more. A difference of England, the empire has never been an experience with which Americans feel at ease, and only a small fraction of their military occupations, directly to the establishment of democracies.
In today’s age, when one thinks of the word empire, they think it’s from ancient times where there were ancient civilizations. Webster dictionaries definition of empire is, “a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority; especially: one having an emperor as chief of state.” (Marriam-Webster) An empire is something like a state. It’s state with just one other layer of government with large political units. Usually an empire is made up of states combined, with some states primarily being on their own and others’ relying heavily on the empire. They commonly began as powerful monarchies that have different units of diversity such as different
In this paper, I will argue that the current system is hegemonial. My explanation to hegemony will then be centered on the sources of the United States as a hegemonial power. Furthermore, I will state the different primary implications associated with the rise of China and what the Roman Empire offers for understanding the United Sta...