Blog Post 2

     The definition of an empire, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is as follows, "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". I argue that the United States is, in fact, and empire, despite opposing arguments.

      The United States has troops or military bases in the majority of countries in the world, save for a few in Africa and a scattering of other countries. An empire is reliant on military power, and acts as a ruler (of sorts) for the countries that it occupies. Because the United States has troops, or has the potential to place troops, is such a vast number of countries around the world, it is reasonable to say that they also have the potential to excerpt power over these countries (maybe some more easily than others). 

    In an article regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Max Boot presents the fact that the United States has held troops in Germany, Japan, and South Korea for over 70 years. This does not indicate that the United States is acting in a way to benefit these countries, and liberate them via implementing a democracy. Rather, it, in my opinion, indicates that the United States holds troops in these countries to establish and maintain authority, effectively behaving in a manner akin to that of an empire.

    Another argument that I wish to touch upon is that I find it unlikely that the United States has agreements with all of these countries to keep their troops there. For example, it may be true that South Korea currently benefits from the presence of U.S. troops, to provide security from North Korea. However, if at any time South Korea decided to ask the United States to withdrawal troops from their country, I find it unlikely that the United States would cooperate. The United States benefits from having their troops in these countries, and they do not do it for the sole purpose of protecting these governments/citizens. Our government has incentive to maintain these troops because it solidifies our authority among peripheral nations, and reinforces the fact that we are a superior world power. 

Comments

  1. Keri GilliganOctober 15, 2021 at 2:44 PM

    I also wrote about the United States behaving like an empire, and like you, one example I gave was in the form of military power. I agree with the point about the United States not having official agreements with all of the states they have troops in, this just shows the influence they have and how they are only participating for their benefit. I think this kind of control could also be comparable to a colony in some ways since they have some control in many ways, whether or not it is recognized is up to debate.

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