The United States of America currently stands alone in a unique position upon the world stage. After nearly fifty years as the anchor upon one side of a bipolar system, the U.S. now finds itself as the only remaining superpower. The Cold War mentality of the 20th century has persisted in the application of American foreign policy, manifesting itself in a dramatic preponderance of power, both political and military, and a willingness to use it. Enjoying a comparative advantage in both nuclear and conventional military power, the United States has gotten used to exerting its will largely unc…
