Assessing the Current State of American Imperialism

A Historical Overview

The United States has been an expansionist power for almost two centuries. The War of 1812 marked the beginning of the U.S. dominion over the Americas, but it was after the Spanish-American War that the American Empire truly matured. The early 20th century saw America's transition into a global superpower.

By the end of World War I, the United States had established itself as an emerging global power, a status it fully embraced in the aftermath of World War II. From 1945 onwards, the U.S. expanded its global network of military installations to limit Soviet influence. Despite the USSR's collapse nearly three decades ago, the U.S. still maintains around 800 formal bases in eighty countries worldwide. This extensive network has cost nearly $6 trillion since 2001, a price spent on wars in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan alone. The cost of maintaining this military infrastructure far outweighs its utility, suggesting a need for strategic reduction.

The Cold War Mindset and Its Implications

Despite the absence of the USSR as a threat, U.S. foreign policy remains rooted in a Cold War mindset. A plan for base realignment and closure was presented in the 1990s under President Bill Clinton, but only a few installations were actually shut down. Most were repurposed to deter other perceived threats to U.S. primacy. However, many of these installations do little to secure the homeland, as their original purpose was to defend liberal hegemony, not the centralized bloc it once was. The expansive power of American primacy, while logical in the post-war era to halt the spread of communism, is no longer practically necessary.

The U.S. Military Presence in Europe

The largest concentration of U.S. foreign bases is in the eurozone, with approximately 300 military installations. Since 1942, the U.S. has maintained a permanent presence in Europe, playing a significant role in stabilizing the continent post-World War II and serving as a key focal point for NATO. However, the EU has since become self-sufficient, with the combined European armed forces and nuclear arsenals capable of deterring potential threats without U.S. assistance. Given that each major European nation can afford its own defense, the U.S.'s extensive military presence in the EU is strategically unnecessary.

The Question of Deterrence

Having more military bases does not automatically equate to more deterrence. The U.S. maintains several dozen forward operating bases in the Middle East, hundreds of smaller outposts, and a combined garrison of over 30,000 military personnel. However, this does not guarantee regional stability. There is a maximum threshold of marginal utility, and the U.S. armed forces' technological advantage means fewer soldiers are required for a successful occupation. A high-tech defense system would suffice to deter potential aggressors, with bases and outposts on islands throughout the Pacific, Arctic, and Atlantic oceans supplementing this.

The Unintended Consequences of Occupation

While the purpose of military occupation is deterrence, such endeavors often produce the opposite effect, making the population more wary and resentful towards the occupying force. Attempts to exert hegemony have undermined the sovereignty of some countries, leading to the rise of reactionary elements opposing Western influence. For example, the rise of ISIS occurred largely in response to the invasion of Iraq. Similarly, Russia's expansion into Georgia and Ukraine was partially a retaliation to NATO expansion.

The Economic Impact

As of 2024, the national debt stands at nearly $35 trillion. The military budget accounts for close to 15% of all U.S. federal spending, with over $600 billion spent annually on "national defense" alone since 2016. This makes it the largest discretionary budget at nearly 50%. Up to $120 billion is spent on the upkeep of foreign bases, with an additional $70 billion on contingency operations. Closing half of all nonessential U.S. bases would save billions of dollars, which could be better used to pay off the national debt.

The Concerns of Interventionists

Interventionists worry that base closure will create power vacuums in unstable regions, leading to more violence and war, especially in the Middle East. They argue that the military not only deters U.S. adversaries but also its allies. Without America to keep them in check, Western-aligned authoritarians could potentially violate human rights or invade other countries. While closing bases in Europe would effectively cut spending, some argue against it as these bases provide the U.S. military with quick and easy access to Eurasia in case of a need for intervention.

Reevaluating Geopolitical Primacy

Geopolitical primacy does not necessarily stem from military supremacy. To remain an influential superpower, America needs to focus primarily on defending its immediate sphere of influence and securing economic interests. The extent of America's presence in the Middle East should be limited to a few installations. The United States European Command's area of responsibility should also be reduced, both in terms of the number of U.S. bases and the percentage of military personnel stationed in the eurozone. There is little need to maintain such a vast network of military installations around the world, as many of these bases are relics of a bygone era and a serious drain on resources and taxpayer dollars.

Bottom Line

The current trajectory of American imperialism is ironically counterproductive to the empire's own perpetuation. Military supremacy is inherently unsustainable and an inadequate basis for asserting international hegemony. American internationalists must recognize that restraint is key to survival. If America hopes to remain a superpower, it cannot continue to cannibalize its economy in the name of unchecked imperialism.

What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree or disagree with the points made in this article? Share this with your friends and join the conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.