Part 8/9:
The Greater Strategic Picture
Strategically, the United States currently enjoys significant advantages across the globe without needing to control territories outright. Diplomatic relationships are paramount, as many nations prefer to maintain their sovereignty while cooperating in security matters. This form of influence is more stable than direct imperialism, which historically leads to resistance and could provoke hostility toward what is perceived as occupation.
Thus, acquiring new territories—especially those with sizable populations—could result in the opposite of the intended security benefits, potentially destabilizing regions and leading to the dissolution of alliances that the U.S. currently relies upon.