In the past, nations created empires by conquering and holding territory. We don't do things that way. We go to war, normally win, and then give the territory back. In most cases, we even help them rebuild.

Do we still hold the Philippines? Nope, we granted them independence decades ago. How about Germany, Japan, and Italy? Surely, after fighting such a massive war against them, we still control those nations? Nope. Gave them back and spent billions helping them rebuild. They're all three among the most peaceful nations on Earth.

Sure, some say our economic power makes from a different type of empire and perhaps they're right. Still, given our balance of trade (or more accurately, our trade deficits), we're running a funny kind of empire.

How about cultural influence? Go just about anywhere and you can buy a McDonald's hamburger that's just as crappy as the ones sold here. You'll likely see kids wearing shirts with the logos of American sporting teams. You'll see American movies and TV shows, often with comical results. I never knew Telly Sovalis spoke fluent German until I saw "Kojak" while stationed in Germany. Funny, his voice was different, too. At least the McDonald's in Germany sell beer to go with their crappy food, not that I ever ate in one. I always preferred to eat a good jaeger schnitzel in the local gasthaus over a burger.