If this ain't an appropriate definition for what a modern empire is... then I'd hate to see what you think an 'Empire' is.
You must be expecting Darth Vader and a 'vast stellar alliance'.
Hell, the Romans, Chinese, Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, French, Russians, Ottomans, Mayans couldn't hold a candle to this:
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Bases in 122 countries. Self-appointed role of 'world policeman'. A history of interfering in local elections (from Italy & Greece immediately after WW II... all the way up to the last Russian election)... overthrowing leaders we don't like (whether they are elected or not), like Chile, Guatemala, Iran, etc., etc., nuclear 'Super Power' status, pre-eminence in technology and economically, unmatched military power and global reach (our military spending exceeds the combined spending of the next largest 15 countries, currency globally accepted, leading space-faring nation, involved in world affairs everywhere.
If it walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck... it's a duck.
Face it: we are an 'Empire' by any definition, albeit a 21st. century version of what an Empire is. |
