Is America An Imperial Power?
by Grace Gerhart
By definition, an imperial power is a country that exerts influence by gaining direct and/or indirect control over other countries through economic, military, or political means. This standard definition leaves room for debate, as “influence” is subjective and whether or not a country is an imperial power is relative. On the global stage, though, it is hard to deny that America exhibits imperialism despite being on the hemisphere opposite of the majority of those under its influence.
Economically, America is undoubtedly a dominant power. This is best displayed through the plain fact that the US dollar is the global reserve currency. Major international transactions are completed via the dollar, placing inherent trust in America. In my short time taking finance modules in the UK, I’ve seen evidence of this notion in professors equating the “risk-free rate of return” to American Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. This economic confidence in conjunction with the fact that America holds 39% of the world’s financial assets illustrates a “rest of the world” that is inseparable from America. America’s economic position is attractive to the rest of the world and engenders positive associations, which alone has the power to make it an imperial power.
It’s no secret that America’s vast military spending is the largest in the world, lending itself to the most advanced and deadly innovations. This fact being common knowledge is a source of influence and dominance, as the whole world is aware of this military dominance. This
outlay has translated to America’s accolade as having the most foreign military bases of any other country, which could even fall under the imperialist classifier of “territorial acquisition”. This is not necessarily an acquisition of the land but an acquisition of the heuristics surrounding that piece of land – America officially has a certain degree of omniscience in said foreign country.
Politically, America demonstrates imperialism through its strong presence in international, non-governmental, supranational, and everything in between. By engaging heavily in multilateral organizations, it demonstrates the soft power of intellectual exchange. America’s heavy-handed position in the realm of international forums provides an outlet for American culture and ideals to become widespread and well-known, acquiring territory in the minds of global citizens. The association of “America” with “democracy” or “freedom” makes it the go-to for countries seeking support in pursuing this lifestyle.
America’s position in the world economically, militarily, and politically lends itself to imperialism, albeit a softer form. Its geographic location demands a type of infiltration that relies on connotations and associations rather than physical presence. America’s ascent to superpower status despite being physically isolated speaks to global confidence in the US dollar and military steadfastness, which ultimately has left it an imperial power as much of the world cannot function as well without these resources.