It rejected traditional empires. But is basically leader of the world. If aliens came to earth no matter where they land. Really they ought to go see the US pr

It rejected traditional empires. But is basically leader of the world. If aliens came to earth no matter where they land. Really they ought to go see the US president. Russia was always a counterpoint to that but while obviously a super power it didn't have the same military and political power as the US does. They achieve that through multiple means mostly cash cash money money. But also creating organisations and influencing participants to make the decisions it wants. Stuff like getting everyone to agree to using dollar under Bretton woods system. It's copyright beliefs, it's war on drugs etc.