An empire in denial

Josh Marshall has put together an essay for the New Yorker on America's empirical status.

...in 2001 the United States maintained some seven hundred and twenty-five military installations abroad—an anomalous situation. Foreign troops have never been stationed in this country...

...Back when the superpower rivalry circumscribed America’s ability to use force directly, problems were more likely to be solved through high-stakes diplomacy or covert action. Now there is an overwhelming temptation to play to our strength....

...America’s diplomatic corps, already menaced by domestic enemies and falling budgets, is no better than those of other great powers. Our military, on the other hand, dwarfs everyone else’s. Hence the progressive militarization of America’s foreign policy....

Follow Josh's interesting analysis to a conclusion that, under Clinton, America was a more effective empire, and that the Bush doctrine is in the process of ruining that status.

I hadn't thought of it before, but it makes sense that no fascist government will ever be able to maintain a global empire. Josh talks about it in terms of concensus versus force. But please note, he doesn't describe the current U.S. government as fascist - that' s my rendering.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.