[pjc50]

> The American Empire never existed, because it never could

This theory doesn't really explain what was going on at tremendous expense in Iraq, Afghanistan or even all those years ago in Vietnam.

If there is a decline, I expect it to be in internal security and the transition from high-trust to low-trust society.

[42772827]

It explains it precisely. The United States is a maritime power. It has never had the capability to maintain longterm occupation the way the Soviets or Ottomans did.

[wormlord]

You realize that an Empire does not need to be configured the exact same way as the Roman Empire, right? A combination of soft power, clandestine operations, and targeted military intervention is more resource-effective than a constant occupation, and should still be considered an empire.

[42772827]

The English will be glad to hear their empire remains!

[wormlord]

The Five Eyes Nations are part of the US Empire, that is a correct assessment.

[BriggyDwiggs42]

Their empire worked differently.

[nitwit005]

Fighting wars isn't the same as having an empire.