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America, Embrace Your Inner Empire

By Eric Navarro
AI Image from Grok

As Donald Trump takes the oath of office and prepares to begin his second term as President of the United States, America stands at a pivotal crossroads in its history. The nation must decide whether to continue its post-World War II tradition of cautious global leadership under the pretense of partnership and cooperation or to openly embrace its role as the dominant force shaping the destiny of the world.

With challenges from the Axis of Aggression, technological upheaval, and a crisis of internal divisions, this moment in history demands boldness. The time has come for the United States to shed the façade of humility imposed on it from within and wield its power unapologetically for the benefit of its citizens and the preservation of Western civilization. 

The United States has always been more than just another nation-state. Since its founding, America has been imbued with a sense of exceptionalism—a belief that it is destined to lead. The 19th century saw the United States assert itself through territorial expansion, from the Louisiana Purchase to the annexation of Texas and the Pacific territories. The Monroe Doctrine, crafted in 1823, declared the Western Hemisphere as America’s sphere of influence, a precursor to the global dominance that would emerge in the 20th century.

After World War II, the United States became the leader of the free world, wielding unparalleled military, economic, and cultural power. The Soviet Union was its only rival on the world stage and when it collapsed, it cemented America’s status as the world’s sole superpower. However, rather than embrace this mantle fully, U.S. leaders chose to operate under the illusion of shared global governance. Institutions like the United Nations and NATO were designed to maintain American dominance, but they were cloaked in the language of multilateralism. While effective for a time, this approach has led to a muddled foreign policy, often leaving allies unsure of America’s resolve and adversaries emboldened.

Donald Trump’s rise to power marked the beginning of a long-overdue reckoning. His first term was characterized by an unorthodox yet effective approach to foreign policy. He rejected the globalist ideology that had permeated Washington for decades, instead prioritizing American interests. The withdrawal from flawed agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, coupled with decisive actions such as the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, signaled a shift toward realism and unapologetic strength.

Despite these successes, Trump’s earlier administration stopped short of fully embracing the concept of American Empire. This was influenced by the continuous barrage of criticisms from his political adversaries and an American population divided along ideological lines. Now, with his triumphant return to office, the opportunity exists to formalize this approach, abandoning the pretense of equality among nations and acknowledging what history has already proven: the United States is the indispensable nation and, furthermore, its dominance is necessary.

Even the most benevolent of empires are not built out of altruism but from the need to protect and expand core national interests. For the United States, this means ensuring the security of its citizens, the prosperity of its economy, and the preservation of its values. Openly embracing a dominant role would allow America to assert control over critical regions—such as the Middle East, the Indo-Pacific, and Eastern Europe—where instability threatens global security and, by extension, American security.

Control over these regions is not mere opportunism; it is a strategic necessity. In the Middle East, a firm U.S. presence would counter Iranian ambitions and secure vital energy supplies. In the Indo-Pacific, a more assertive posture would deter Chinese aggression and preserve the rules-based order that has underpinned decades of economic growth. In Eastern Europe, the containment of Russia is essential to preventing a resurgence of authoritarianism on the continent.

The decline of the West has been a recurring theme in modern discourse, but it is not an inevitability. The United States, as the cultural and political leader of the Western world, has a duty to preserve the values that define Western civilization: individual liberty, rule of law, free markets, and innovation. These principles are under siege from both external adversaries—such as China and radical Islam—and internal challenges like woke cultural relativism and declining civic engagement.

An American Empire would serve as the vanguard of Western ideals, promoting them not just through persuasion but through the decisive use of power. This is not about imposing democracy by force, as seen in the failed nation-building experiments of the Global War on Terror. Instead, it is about creating conditions where freedom can thrive, even if that means aligning with non-democratic regimes that share strategic goals.

Global economic leadership is a cornerstone of American power. By formalizing its imperial role, the United States could leverage its economic might to secure favorable trade terms, dominate emerging markets, and outmaneuver competitors. Strategic investments in critical technologies—such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, new forms of energy, and cryptocurrency—would ensure that America remains at the forefront of innovation.

Moreover, an assertive America could establish a new economic order that reduces dependence on adversaries like China. This would include reshoring key industries, forging exclusive trade agreements with allies, and using American military power to secure global supply chains. The result would be a more resilient and self-sufficient economy capable of withstanding future crises.

Critics of empire often cite the moral costs of imperialism, pointing to historical examples of exploitation and oppression. However, the American Empire envisioned here is not one of conquest and subjugation but of leadership and stewardship. The world faces existential challenges that require strong and decisive leadership. In the absence of American dominance, these challenges will be left to authoritarian regimes like China and Russia, whose actions are guided by ideologies that run counter to Western values.

The moral argument for empire is rooted in the belief that the United States is uniquely qualified to lead. Its democratic traditions, commitment to human rights, and unparalleled capacity for innovation make it the best hope for a stable and prosperous world. By embracing this commanding role, America can unapologetically fulfill its responsibility to act as a force for good.

Openly embracing this mantle of an American Empire will not be without challenges. Domestically, there will be significant resistance from those who view this stance as antithetical to American values. Many in this domestic resistance see America as the main cause of the world’s problems. Internationally, allies may initially balk at a more assertive United States, while adversaries will seek to undermine its efforts. However, these challenges are not insurmountable.

To succeed, President Trump’s administration must take several key steps:

First, rebuild American military dominance. A strong military is the foundation of any world power. Investments in next-generation technologies – expanded force projection capabilities to include a larger Navy, and an arsenal revitalized with weapons such as hypersonics – will ensure that America remains unchallenged.

Second, reinvigorating strategic partnerships with like-minded nations is essential. Nations such as Poland, Australia, Japan, Israel and India are natural allies in this effort and should be integrated into broader strategic and economic frameworks.

Third, America must secure control over global infrastructure, including telecommunications, transportation, and energy networks. This also includes the push to secure that Greenland and the Panama canal continue under America’s influence. Together these measures will prevent adversaries from exploiting vulnerabilities and allow the US to project power emphatically.

On the Domestic front, the administration must foster a sense of national purpose and a return to American greatness. This includes addressing domestic economic cultural insecurities, rebuilding trust in institutions, and reinvigorating civic pride.

The United States is at a turning point. The illusion of equal partnership among nations has proven unsustainable, and the challenges of the 21st century demand bold and decisive action. The inauguration of Donald Trump represents an opportunity to usher in this new era of American dominance. By embracing its role as the global hegemon, the United States can secure its interests, defend Western civilization, and shape a better future for the world. 

History will judge whether the US rises to the occasion or falters in the face of the strategic challenges.