How does the foreign policy of the US differ from that of empires past, such as?

Question

Spain, Britain, and the Soviet Union?

Answer 1

America's foreign policies are more democratic based. Whereas, empires were primarily monarchy and dictatorship governments controlling their policies under such terms.

Answer 2

The US policy appears reactionary, but it's because we leave people alone unless they mess with us.

Answer 3

We have no desire to colonize the places we invade and for that matter, most of us didn't want to invade them either...