I seem to recall that the US had a fairly nasty civil war over the prospect of one part going its own way. Lincoln said that it wasn't about slavery, it was about the Union, indivisible. So doesn't the US have any shame when it talks of independence for Taiwan, when it in no way would allow independence for its own people who wanted to opt out. As for our leaders, I wouldn't be surprised if some of them were either bribed or blackmailed to get them to act against our interests. I don't say that lightly, the sucking up is so consistent from the most unlikely people i.e. Jooolz the young socialist and Fabian Society member. If you want to rule the world or at least be a major player then to me the easiest way is simply to get the goods on those that are or may be in the future be able to help. This would be one strategy amongst many, as outright military power creates its own opposition.
