US imperialism

Part of the discussion in class today focused on the identity of the US as an imperial power. The main idea was that they world is not yet in a postcolonial context because the US still exerts imperial powers, not explicitly through colonies, but through its relationships and the true rationale behind its actions. I agree that the US has some imperialistic tendencies and a motivation to maintain its position of power, but I also think that this position is in a period of transition and that the US can no longer continue to act in the way that it has; the world is no longer a place conducive towards this sort of crusading action, and in continuing to act in this way, the US will not be able to maintain the political authority it currently has. For example, especially in the case of invading Iraq, the US provided faulty rationale -- whether it was "weapons of mass destruction", or following through on an old grudge, or anything else -- and just exploited it's position as a superpower. These actions were not very well received by the rest of the world, and respect for the US has declined. Even if the US does act with imperialistic motives in most of its foreign interactions, it isn't able to continue to do so because it is no longer as acceptable to act in such a way. It is questioned and contested by the rest of the world. The good news is, though, that while the rest of the world may now view us in a skeptical light, it is the government that they view in that way, and not the general American public. Presidential elections are coming up, and there may be a chance to change our position in the world... maybe.