[Bridge of Clay]

Steve, good point. But as a foreigner, you realize:

1) US is the strongest economy.
2) US is the strongest political force.
3) US is the strongest military force.

It's almost like Rome in the acient days. US influences other countries cultures and economy. When a president like Bush decides to disrespect UN, the rest assume since US is so strong, it can do whatever it wants when it wants if US thinks it's better for them and screw the rest.

Why US doesn't need to be part of the Kyoto Protocol Agreement, for example?

So no, it's not only foreign policy.

The only reason US is not an empire yet is due Church - State separation. If you had those together, we'd be back in Middle Age again and the minorities would be persecuted.

All world trade depends on US. US is the biggest customer and also one of the top 3 exporters.

There's plenty more...