America's Decline: Why Turning Away from Empire Can Fix It

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-23

The idea that America is an empire is not new, but the conversation around its decline is getting louder. For decades, the United States has played the role of global superpower, projecting military and economic influence across the world. But now, signs of strain are everywhere. The system feels broken at home, and abroad, the costs of empire are becoming harder to ignore. So, what's the fix? Some argue that the answer lies in turning away from empire altogether. Not by retreating into isolation, but by restoring the principles that made America strong in the first place: decentralization, restraint, and a focus on domestic renewal. This isn't about weakness. It's about rebalancing. ### The Weight of Empire Empire comes with a price tag. Right now, the U.S. spends over $800 billion annually on defense. That's more than the next ten countries combined. But here's the thing: that money has to come from somewhere. When you're pouring billions into overseas bases and foreign interventions, you have less to invest in things like infrastructure, education, and healthcare at home. The result? Roads crumble, schools struggle, and the national debt climbs. It's a trade-off that feels increasingly unsustainable. The American people are feeling it in their daily lives, from potholed streets to rising healthcare costs. The empire might look strong from the outside, but the foundation is cracking. ### Decentralization as a Solution One of the core ideas in the push to move away from empire is decentralization. Think of it like this: instead of having all the power concentrated in Washington, D.C., you push decision-making back to states and communities. This isn't a new idea. It's rooted in the original vision of the U.S. Constitution, where local governments were meant to handle local problems. When you decentralize, you get more flexibility. A policy that works in Texas might not work in Vermont, and that's okay. Local leaders can tailor solutions to their specific needs. It also reduces the risk of one-size-fits-all mandates that end up pleasing no one. In a country as diverse as the U.S., that kind of adaptability is a huge advantage. ### Restraint in Foreign Policy Another key piece is restraint. For years, the U.S. has been quick to intervene in conflicts around the world, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe. But these interventions often come with unintended consequences. They drain resources, strain alliances, and sometimes create more problems than they solve. Restraint doesn't mean doing nothing. It means being more selective about when and how to act. It means prioritizing diplomacy over military action, and focusing on threats that directly affect American security. This approach can save lives, money, and credibility. It also allows the U.S. to rebuild its moral authority by leading through example, not force. ### What This Means for Everyday Americans The shift away from empire isn't just about foreign policy. It's about everyday life. When the government spends less on overseas adventures, it can spend more on things that matter at home. That could mean better roads, more affordable housing, or stronger social safety nets. Consider this: the U.S. has over 750 military bases in 80 countries. Closing even a fraction of them could free up billions of dollars. That money could be used to fix the 43% of public roads that are in poor condition, or to address the fact that 1 in 10 Americans live in poverty. It's a matter of priorities. ### The Global Role Question Some worry that stepping back from empire would make America weaker on the world stage. But that's a false choice. The U.S. can still be a leader without being a policeman. It can champion democracy and human rights without occupying foreign lands. It can build alliances based on mutual respect, not fear. In fact, a more restrained America might actually be more respected. When you stop trying to control everything, you become a more reliable partner. Other countries may be more willing to cooperate when they see the U.S. acting with humility and restraint. ### A Path Forward This isn't about overnight change. Moving away from empire is a long-term project. It requires political will, public support, and a willingness to challenge entrenched interests. But the conversation is already happening. Think tanks, academics, and even some politicians are starting to question the costs of empire. For the average American, the message is simple: the country doesn't have to choose between being strong and being healthy. By turning inward and restoring balance, the U.S. can fix what's broken. It starts with recognizing that empire isn't the only path to greatness. Sometimes, the best way to lead is to lead by example, right here at home.