SUMMARY:

Tim Roberts examines the evolving discourse surrounding American imperialism, tracing its historical rationalizations and critiques from the late nineteenth century through the present day. He highlights the tension between American exceptionalism, which often denies or justifies imperial actions, and counterarguments that emphasize parallels with other empires. The analysis covers various scholarly interpretations, including the Wisconsin School’s focus on economic drivers, postcolonial perspectives on cultural impacts, and debates about the nature of American power in a globalized world. Finally, Roberts considers contemporary “empire-talk” in response to the Trump administration’s rhetoric and actions, noting a potential, though debated, shift toward more overt forms of imperialism.