Arguing Against Empire

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA maintains over eight hundred military bases in more than one hundred countries. Most of them were established soon after World War Two; many have been added since the end of the cold war. America has, however, been an empire, an ever expanding domain far beyond its starting point, since its inception. Most Americans, as usual, either aren't aware of this, or are, but don't care. The American people have never given their explicit permission for the global American empire, but, as always, permission by the people does not matter. And in any case, by ignoring the situation, we Americans are in fact giving tacit permission, just as we give tacit permission and acceptance of all manner of corruption. A new book, "Base Nation", examines the history and impact of the empire. Author David Vine concludes that the empire has cost the world and the United States in many ways, far more than any benefits derived. We would all, including the United States, be batter off without America's network of far flung bases. They are very expensive, and they no longer serve a useful or necessary purpose, since U.S. naval and air power guarantee that the U.S can strike anyone in the world from within its own borders. Vine argues that the United States can remain the world's preeminent military power without all the expense and volatility of empire. The possession of empire always increases the risk of foreign wars. America became an empire rather quietly, and easily, in retrospect, and each step along the way was accompanied by assurances given to the American people that the process was absolutely necessary, in the best interests of all Americans. It could be argued that the building of the American empire was not beneficial to those who died in wars securing it, but somehow, advocates of unlimited American strength and influence never mention them.