Your argument presupposes that the empire’s maximal influence would be attained by domination through overt use of force. In reality — the us military empire d

Your argument presupposes that the empire’s maximal influence would be attained by domination through overt use of force. In reality — the us military empire doesn’t maintain those conquered possessions as conquered possessions because it can’t — it doesn’t have sufficient military power and attempting to do so would increase the front on which conflicts requiring use of that military power would be required (further diminishing direct conquering capacity). The us military empire building strategy differs from your suggestions for tactical reasons not as evidence of a policy that does not involve pursuit of empire building.