It is called PAX AMERICANA. The US maintains its power, prestige and wealth by meddling in other peoples affairs for the benefit of America. It was America who launched the idea of a Global Economy after WW2. Of course at the time the American leadership was thinking more in terms of containing a Soviet menace in the east. It was called the Marshall Plan. From there it has grown into a global economy that has added 1B people to the Middle Class. It is the American Empire which is not based on military occupation as empires of the past were. But is based on the notion of Capitalism and Free Trade. One might say it is Mickey Mouse, the Big Mac and Coke Cola that has conquered the world. The American military acts as the policeman to the world, to ensure stability and peace so that commerece can continue unimpeded.