[richliss]

I don't see the US wanting to conquer territories of any nation, or doing anything severe.

I just see their desire being able to exert influence wherever needed, even with actors that at the moment don't really need to take notice.

In addition don't see at point where the US will see its military capability being challenged as an acceptable situation to its leaders, congress or population at large.

The main reason that Reagan's SDI (Star Wars) was so significant was that the US knew it couldn't be done at the time it was announced, but the USSR knew it couldn't be achieved by them in the foreseeable future. This provided real impetus to bring the USSR to the table.

Do you really think the US likes what is going on in Ukraine, or the Spratly Islands? They don't really care if its right or wrong, just that want to be able to suggest that no one goes against its wishes, and then no one does without question.

If you can do this with a symbolic weapon then its easier.