Why a Nation with the Means to Conquer the World Might Choose Not to

For any powerful nation, the ability to conquer and control other territories is a tempting prospect. However, even when a country has the means to do so, it often chooses not to. This decision is influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic costs, political consequences, cultural differences, ethical considerations, and international law, as well as strategic focus and historical precedents.

Economic Costs

Conquering and maintaining control over vast territories requires enormous resources. The cost of military campaigns, administration, and infrastructure can outweigh the benefits of conquest. Economic strain is a crucial factor in deciding whether to undertake such a massive and costly venture. For instance, during the post-World War II era, the United States had a vast navy, an untouched economy, and nuclear weapons at its disposal. Despite these powerful assets, the U.S. elected not to pursue global conquest. This decision was driven by an assessment of the potential economic costs, which were deemed too high to justify the benefits.

Political Consequences

Global domination can lead to significant political pushback. It may result in resistance from other nations, the formation of coalitions against the aggressor, and a loss of legitimacy in the eyes of the international community. The political backlash can be substantial, making the consequences of expansionism severe. During and after World War II, the United States might have explored a path of global expansion. However, the potential political backlash, including resistance from allied countries and the risk of losing support, informed the decision to avoid one global hegemony approach.

Cultural Differences

Managing diverse populations with different cultures, languages, and religions can be extremely challenging. Conquerors often face resistance from local populations leading to instability and conflict. In the case of the United States, even though it had the means to conquer the world, the country's culture was rooted in principles of diversity, equality, and respect for sovereignty. These values influenced the decision to avoid direct military conquest and instead pursue a policy of influence and cooperation.

Ethical Considerations

Many nations and their citizens hold ethical stances against imperialism and conquest, prioritizing diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty. Ethical considerations play a significant role in the decision-making process. The United States, driven by a belief in peace and justice, chose to focus on diplomatic relations and economic cooperation rather than military dominance. This ethical stance was a key factor in the country's reluctance to conquer the world.

International Law

The modern international system, governed by laws and norms, discourages aggressive expansion. Nations that pursue conquest risk isolation and the imposition of sanctions from the global community. This legal and normative framework further influenced the decision not to conquer. The United States, while possessing the means to do so, adhered to these norms, preferring to engage in international cooperation to achieve its goals.

Strategic Focus

A country may prioritize other strategic goals such as economic development, technological advancement, or regional stability over the ambition of world domination. For the United States, the focus was on promoting economic and technological growth, stabilizing regions, and fostering a network of alliances rather than achieving singular global conquest. This strategic approach was aligned with the national interests and long-term goals of the nation.

Military Overextension

Even a powerful country can face military overextension. Engaging in multiple conflicts or attempting to control vast territories can stretch resources thin and create vulnerabilities. The U.S. recognized the risks of overextension and chose to limit its military engagements to areas of significant strategic interest, rather than spreading its forces thin across the globe.

Historical Precedents

Historical examples show that empires often face difficulties in managing vast territories, leading to eventual decline. This can deter nations from pursuing global conquest. The Roman and British Empires, for instance, eventually faced internal pressures and external conflicts that led to their decline. The U.S. remembered these lessons, avoiding the pursuit of an empire and instead opting for a more restrained form of influence and cooperation.

In summary, while the means to conquer may exist, practical, ethical, and strategic considerations often lead nations to seek influence and cooperation rather than outright domination. This is exemplified by the United States and its post-World War II approach, which prioritized diplomatic relations, economic development, and regional stability over attempting to impose global control. This strategic and ethical approach has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy and a guiding principle for many other nations as well.