Originally Posted by rickair7777

It's not actually empire building, the idea is to maintain a world order that allows for economic freedom and prosperity. We have ideals about democracy and humanity too, but it's the economics that underpin that.

It's a legit debate as to whether we should save all that money, resign as global cop, let Europe and Asia fall to the usual suspects, and go full isolationist. Since we (second only to Australia) have the largest moat in the history of warfare we could be reasonably secure in fortress North America.

But I think you'll get your wish with regard to UK... Uncle Vlad is smart enough to slow boil that problem without a 1939-style overt invasion and that will give western politicians just enough political wiggle room to avoid an armed confrontation.