America's influenced in global affairs has not remained consistent over time.
Very little, in fact, has remained consistent. Our key influence over the years has been the American form of government, which has guided many as they considered the transition from monarchy or autocrat.
Many thinkers break up America's global reach into eras. Our first era was after our founding. We were the new kid on the block. We had big ideals, which were influential for countries like France.
After our Civil War, we entered into a new era of imperialism. We took land from Spain and set up naval bases around the world. We not only had philosophical influence, we began to have military influence.
After our late entry into World War I, which helped tip the scales towards victory, we were beginning to be seen as a major power.
After World War II, we were one of two major powers left in the world (USA & Soviet Union). This set up a new era where we led the "free" world while the Soviet Union led the "communist" world.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, America had the largest influence in the world. We had a major banking center and military and diplomatic influence.
This, however, has changed with America's War of Terror and the election of Donald Trump.
We are entering a possible new era where China takes away some of our diplomatic and economic influence as seen with the Kyoto protocol and the Pacific Rim trading group.
