I also wrote about how interconnected the world is. No nation is in isolation. There is a global network. Preserving that global network--while it might be everyone's actual responsibility--actually falls to "whoever came out on top," and established all the global bases, the expansive military forces (especially a global navy) etc. ...the tools which maintain that global network. Historically, there has always been such a power. Rome took out Greece and Carthage, then ruled the Mediterranean world. And they ruled it in their interests. Others benefited, but when push came to shove, whatever was best for Rome was how Rome acted. Same for the British defeating the Spanish and Dutch, then French, and acting as you say, "to support world trade - in British interests, to maintain British influence, British shipping, etc." But others benefited, primarily anyone willing to fit themselves in alongside British interests. There will always be an international "top dog" controling "world order."

I would argue that we are probably the most "mutually inclusive" of any such power to date. Through a body of international law and international organizations which we participated in creating, we try to keep order. China's offshore territorial claims violate the established laws, and disrupt the wellbeing of their smaller neighbors. We are involved in trying to stop it. It is the same in the Red Sea. Houthis violate international law, and trouble--not just their neighbors--but world shipping. We are attempting to intervene. Russia in Ukraine is still another trouble spot...violating a right to Ukrainian self-determination, international law, and potentially perhaps expanding further beyond the current boundries. We send money and weapons. You do realize that if US military ground and air power sets foot inside Ukraine there will be a nuclear confrontation, yes? So, money and weapons are all we can do unless the Apocalypse is your desire. If so, I am sorry we are a disappointment to you for not acting the way you want.

By engaging in all this, we certainly do wield influence in the world. And we do indeed act in our own interests. Keeping the international order we helped create through laws, alliances and an international forum is in our best interests. It is also in the best interests of others. If you actually believe that one day all nations will be equal, and live in harmony with nobody selfishly being on top, you are delusional. If you don't like the current situation with us, do a mental exercise where Russia or China have replaced us.

I, personally, fully understand what leaving NATO and giving it over to Europe means for us. But, as I wrote, we as a nation are becoming very tired of maintaining world order, and paying for it as well. Then, being criticized for doing it to boot. There is a growing feeling here that we should just "take our ball and go home," and let the rest of the world sort it all out. Will we lose superpower status? Absolutely. But, I for one would love to be able to come to a place like this and just complain like crazy about all the mistakes Poland is making, and how incompetent they are, and how they selfishly act only for themselves since they became the new dominant power, while we live like a "normal country" (whatever that is...)