[easuter]

> The US is an empire (and the mightiest one yet) and will act like that until it isn't capable to do so any more. Historically, that's around 100 more years but I'm not sure history is predictive here.

Agreed, but one thing that has been a constant throughout history is that empires eventually become complacent and buckle under their own weight, and have to face smaller contenders that don't have the inertia to maintain the status-quo.

It's telling that there really isn't any empire that has endured "forever", probably because this is simply not possible.

Portugal was the first global empire and ostensibly lasted for 600 years, but its decline started much sooner than it's total lifespan (around the 200 year mark). The country is now a shadow of what it once was, and the US will also be one day.

[s_q_b]

At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it?-- Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step the Ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never!

All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with a Buonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years.

At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it ever reach us, it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher.

As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.

[blahi]

Yes, I commented on that. However history is not predictive of future events. In this case, there are no hostile neighbours and the empire does not rely on long term invasions and occupations. Instead it relies on economic and financial dominance. With the massive brain drain going towards the US having no signs of slowing down, I don't think that's gonna end soon. Additionally there hasn't been such a complete military domination ever.

But what is most important is that (most of) the nations are content with this situation. The complete hegemony will probably end soon-ish but the US will probably be the leader for the foreseeable future.