Fall of the American Empire

[Hugabear]

For too long, the US has used its position in the world to bully and coerce other governments into doing its bidding. We built up the Empire by engaging in wars across the globe, and establishing military bases around the world from which we can strike anywhere in the globe on short notice. When military force wasn't an attractive option, we used our economic muscle to get our way. Although Americans like to thumb their nose at the UN, we never hesitated to ram our policies through, imposing sanctions on countries that dared to defy our will.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, we rejoiced. We thought that we would be able to rule the world, that we could mold the rest of the world in our own image. We envisioned a lengthy "Pax Americana". We expected Russia to come over to "our" side. We viewed China as our only potential threat, but not for another 20-30 years.

But along the way, something funny happened. Europe decided they'd had enough of our bullying, and formed their own union. They started flexing their own economic muscle, offering the euro as a viable alternative to the almighty US dollar. China and India exploded onto the scene, gladly taking American jobs. The Arab world suddenly realized they had other options than kowtowing to the United States.

The United State's reign as the sole superpower has been short-lived. Maybe now, we'll have to deal with other nations on an even playing field. Maybe now we'll learn to respect other cultures, instead of pretending that the "American way" is the only way. We used our position to forestall any real meaningful action on global warming, and now the entire planet is in peril. Maybe it takes the fall of the world's last superpower to make us realize that we're all part of a global community.

[Hydra]

1. Have you read 1984?

This is actually exactly the way they would like it- 2 major enemies to be perpetually at war with. Think of what they get for that:

1. A nationalist "cause" that only "traitors" would not support
2. Exceptions to the law such as torture and secret trials in the name of "national security"
3. Nearly unlimited funding for more war toys and bribes
4. The excuse to keep people in poverty and ask for various sacrifices from them
5. Media coverage that is completely under their control, again in the name of "national security"

Basically, they get Oceana.

None of this was a mistake, and the empire is not dying- it is ascending to new heights, or new depths, depending on your perspective.