So, is it? :2razz:
em·pire
/ˈemˌpī(ə)r/
noun
noun: empire; plural noun: empires
1. an extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, formerly esp. an emperor or empress.
It certainly has some imperialistic tendencies, though I'm not sure if it qualifies as an actual "empire."
The only country we control with "supreme" authority is our own. Even then, that authority is Democratic in basis.
No, it's not an empire. Military occupation in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq don't make a nation an empire especially since the political government hasn't been usurped from the people, but rather, given back to the people.
If the USA would decide to conquer Mexico, then it would be an empire. Or annex Iraq or Afghanistan...
Democratic empires can exist Gathomas. The Roman Republic was an empire... but it was also a democracy (until you know, it stopped being).
While I agree that the United States isn't a traditional empire anymore, and that it only has supreme authority over itself, I would like to point out that the British Empire was the most powerful and largest empire in history, but was still democratic.
So, is it? :2razz:
True, but it kind of depends on what you mean by "empire." Democratic states may behave like Empires, but they generally tend not to be labeled with the title unless they become blatantly authoritarian.
Most text-books will refer to the Roman state prior to Augustus as being the "Roman Republic" even in spite of it's numerous acts of imperialistic conquest.
While I agree that the United States isn't a traditional empire anymore, and that it only has supreme authority over itself, I would like to point out that the British Empire was the most powerful and largest empire in history, but was still democratic.
It certainly has some imperialistic tendencies, though I'm not sure if it qualifies as an actual "empire."
If human rights and democracy are imperialist, then imperialism is good.
I never said anything about imperialism being good or bad, Eco. Just asking if the U.S. is an empire.
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I don't think so. America would have to conqueror lands in order to become that. America really hasn't conquered any lands. Even when the Native Americans we're forced out America was still a British Colony. If we took over Mexico...then perhaps we could be called a empire. Speaking of which...that might actually improve those nations...kind of a sad thought there.
I voted no, but I would like to point out that the US has some very expansionist and monarchical tendencies, especially when under the Democratic party's control.
First, I have a question: What countries does the USA totally control besides the USA?
The power of the emperor was limited, and while the various princes, lords and kings of the Empire were vassals and subjects who owed the emperor their allegiance, they also possessed an extent of privileges that gave them de facto sovereignty within their territories.
Source: Wikipedia