Definition of imperialism: The extension of a nation's authority by territorial acquisition or by the establishment of economic and political dominance over other nations.

Definition of hegemony: The dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others.

I would be a little more nuanced with my definitions personally. I think Russia is textbook imperialist. I think China is borderline imperialist, and I think the USA is more hegemonic.

I think all 3 play all the same games except that the USA doesn't play in territorial expansion, which for me is a big improvement over those that do.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

The US is built on territorial expansion, lmao. Indigenous Americans who had their land stolen from them have been generationally impacted! The consequences of slavery have set Black Americans back centuries economically! Hawaii was forcibly annexed very recently in a historical frame of viewing!

The US is perhaps one of the most Imperialist countries on the planet, just because it now fights proxy wars rather than direct Conquest doesn't make it any less evil. Here's a hint: the US stopped using Conquest for land acquisition because it already succeeded, not because it's a morally superior Imperialist power.

[+] realitista@lemm.ee -5 points 6 months ago (1 children)

[removed by mod]

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 3 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Buddy, do indigenous people no longer exist? Are Hawaiians extinct? Do black Americans no longer exist? These events have lasting impacts! Despite the entire UN council except the US and Israel voting to open the Cuban blockade, the US is continuing it!

Secondly, if our conversation is about choosing which Imperialist power to live under, you must see why each country is doing what it's doing. The US already conquered the surrounding areas, and now expresses Imperialism through puppet states like Israel.

Your concern is nothing, you just refuse to believe that America is one of the most brutal empires the world has ever known.

[–] realitista@lemm.ee -2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

So basically ongoing imperialist conquest and subjugation in modern times is justified because anyone did it in the past? Bullshit.

[–] Cowbee@lemmy.ml 3 points 6 months ago

Fucking no the hell it isn't justified, what are you talking about? You're the one justifying ongoing genocide in Gaza because the US already finished most of its domestic Conquest and genocide.