Why can't the USA take over the World?
816815
The US is a strong, prosperous country. If the desire was there to take ove the world as other countries have throughout time, it could potentially be done. The thing is - the desire isn't there. The US runs on the principles of democracy, free enterprise, and freedoms. If the US took over the world, it would become either a totalitarian society or a dictatorship, two things we have looked down upon for decades. The United States is already one of the most prosperous countries in the world, one which believes in free enterprise [having a rich, poor, and middle class - much like a social hierarchy]. If the US was so determined to become the most wealthy country in society, it would go against its principles [which date back to the Declaration of Independence] of free enterprise. \n\nThe mear thought is silly, my dear. Silly.
1159609
America is a superpower whose power is unbalanced in the world today. However, America will not die like Rome, but simply fade like Great Britain. New powers are emerging China, India, The European Union, and possibly Russia or Japan. Now on the world stage there could be four or five great world powers and the world like there were prior to World War II. America will always be here, but it will have to compete with these new markets. China is the fast grower, but India will surpass in 50 years. Britain faced the same challenges and it just passed the torch off to us. We will probably pass it off to India because they are an ally and the world's largest democracy. America will always hold a seat at the UN security council, but new seats will need to be added. So America will not be squashed, but it's power will be diminished.
301916
To all those looking at USA and hoping it goes down, please take note that if we in the USA go down we will not go down quietly. It is not our style. \n\nWe will almost certainly take down some large fraction of the rest of the world with us. That is not a threat or even a wish, it is just realism.\n\nHope for the USA to change? Fine, I'm with you. Hope for the USA to lighten/loosen up a bit on world affairs? I don't agree, but I understand why you feel that way. Hope for the USA to go down, to fall, to fail? You are asking for one whole pile of worldwide collateral damage. So watch out.
786132
The USA is obsessed with the concept of world dominance. It has refused to  learn from history and its experience in Vietnam. It could not prevent Vietnam from being a communist  state. It had fueled Afghanistan crisis and now trying to dose it off. Withdrawal from Iraq and Afghanistan will not be that easy and the change of guard in White House will have least impact on taking such a decision.
105103
The United States never had any empire full stop.\nThey never claimed other countries as their own.
276497
cgalloway1973 is right, I'm British, and believe that we are just as capable as the Americans. BTW, to the guy who mentioned that we were (supposedly) kicked out of every country we conquered, you're wrong! It's true that we were kicked out of a few of the Nations, but we decided to give most of them back by free will alone! This inter-nation rivalry has to stop, WE'RE ON THE SAME BL**DY SIDE!!! That saying, "all the gear, but no Idea" is just a bit of friendly banter, but there are a few people here who take it too far.
593043
the United States is the world's only superpower.  it outspends all other countries COMBINED on its military/defense.  it may be that soon, it will be rivalled as the world's strongest economy, but when it comes to military might, the U.S. has no competitors even close to it.
845975
The U.S. is one of the strongest and largest economy in the world.\n\nThe U.S. is all about Capitalism.\n\nThe U.S. colonizes nothing, just occupies.\n\nWithout the U.S., other economies of the world would suffer.\n\nSometimes the U.S. leads, and sometimes other major economies lead.\n\nBig money controls the world, and don't let anyone tell you differently.\n\nGuns and butter my friend.
1164039
The United States of America do doubt about it.
43221
USA is very powerful!
625487
Might makes right. And the US is the wealthiest and most militarily powerful nation at the moment, so the US gets to make the rules for everyone else.\n\nEspecially nations that have natural resources our largest industries/corporations want to control.
290855
People didn't take over the world. For years, people wanted land and tresures. They do this because they want power. Other species would have the power to take over the world if they were stronger . Just like the movie, "War of the Worlds". From your avatar....you look cool. Just like me. \nAt my school I'm cool and tough. I am a punk and a total rebel. I have a punk boyfriend just like\n me. Can you add me too your list? Please!!!
722182
USA dictate to the world? can you honestly believe that? since we are the basis for most of the economies in the world you think that we would have a stronger voice but we do not. only time the world wants to hear from us is when we are helping them.
84344
The US is one of the most powerfull contries in the world. And with great power comes great responsibliy. The USA is just trying to make the world a better place, and they want to spread demcracy. The US does not mean any harm, there just trying to prevent nuclear war.
1187397
Same old answer - America seeks to dictate world policy instead of lead.  The stance is always all countries should support americas wars, policies and desires because it is in Americas interest.    Much of the time it is in the worlds interest but Bush simply does not seem to be able to articulate this.\n\nAs Americas influence continues to wain and China and Russia continue to prosper they are learning how to discuss and debate with other countries and are respected for it.  They will therefore grow to have more and more influence as America loses it's influence.\n\nSo yes - maybe Bush is leading america into the boondocks.\n\nAmericas economy is forecast to take another dive shortly and the American leadership needs to start talking to other countries on an equal footing.\n\nIran and Korea are another matter entirely.  Could you contemplate either country getting a nuke and not using it?  That really is a world problem that America/Bush needs to talk to other countries and learn leadership rather than trying to dictate or it could turn nuclear.
618429
The US will only bomb.  They have no prayer of holding the country without a unified coalition of nations.  The bombing will probably take place in about another year.
380296
Us can not attack Iran or North Korea because they are busy in Iraq.Other thing is, Us army is unable to control small group of insurgents in iraq.How can US handle powerfull militaries like Iran or North Korea?