Pros And Cons Of American Imperialism

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 The actions exerted by America are reminiscent of a very outdated practice, called imperialism.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 naïve 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 "a series of diplomatic and political problems" with both friend and foes (Goodman 10). In addition to problems, spending has risen with "$5 billion a month" in a vain effort to defend freedom (Goodman 10). Even though it is apparent that the U.S. is constantly trying to nation-build, it remains in denial of being an empire. America doesn't identify that there are responsibilities when building nations. The fact that there is not "adequate cooperation and support" from those it supposedly helps further proves the nations stance as an empire (Ferguson). The steps taken toward building other nations should be "internationalized under civilian […] control" and not militarily (Goodman 9). Especially with freedom in mind, war should be that last form of action on America's list. "Intelligence and law enforcement" should be the first steps used in the battle against terror (Goodman 10). Such steps have previously been witnessed to work more effectively than military force. Additionally, "international diplomacy" could be another action used before military forces to manage crises throughout the world (Goodman
10).
The topic of America as an empire brings forth thought-provoking questions as to the intentions of American leaders, but it does not provide answers. The debate as to whether it is or isn't an empire can only be interpreted by an individual; for, the views expressed by both sides greatly contrast one another. Those that do not see America as an empire believe that the U.S. holds good values and intentions that should be shared throughout the world. In addition, the belief that defense against those that may threaten our freedom is the only way to keep it. But, those that deem America as imperialistic and assertive find that the U.S.'s intentions are not pure, but corrupt. America should relinquish its role as dominating superpower, as it only provides the U.S. as well as other countries with detriment.

Works Cited
Fellow, James. "How to Spell American Empire: B-U-R-D-E-N." Newsday. 14 Jan 2003. Internet. 21 Nov 2004
Ferguson, Niall and Robert Kagan. "Is the United States an Empire?" AEI Newsletter. 1 Sep 2003. Internet. 21 Nov 2004
Goodman, Melvin A. "Toward a new foreign policy." Foreign Policy in Focus. 8 Mar 2004: 9-10
Hanson, Victor Davis. "A Funny Sort of Empire." NRO. 27 Nov 2002. Internet. 21 Nov 2004
Hoffman, Nicholas. "An Empire's Burden: Endless, Bloody Wars." The Observer. 5 Jan 2004
Ikenberry, John. "Illusions of Empire: Defining the New American Order." Foreign Affairs. 1 Mar 2004: 35-42
Lens, Sidney. "U.S. Superiority Threatens World Peace." The American Military: Opposing Viewpoints. 4 May 1983: 26-32.
Ricks, Thomas E. "Empire or Not? A Quiet Debate Over U.S. Role." washingtonpost.co
m. 21 Aug 2001. The Washington Post. 18 Nov 2004