Is the U.S. Just a Big Hippocrit?

I think there are a lot of reasons for the U.S. to have bases throughout the world. During WWII we built hundreds in both Europe and the Pacific region. After the war, many were turned into permanent bases in order to provide security to both America and the regions surrounding former Nazi Germany and Japan. In 1945, Truman stated in a conference that the purpose of these bases were not for selfish advantage, but were necessary for "the complete protection of our interests and of world peace." And I believe this was indeed the truth in why we initially maintained foreign bases. Whether this was a good reason at the time or still a good reason today is not the purpose of my argument.

As for the other bases that have been established across the Earth, I think they fall into the main category of providing for the continuance of American hegemony. While some are there to deter threats or attacks on allied countries and others may be there for influential reasons or the placement of strategic global resources, all would arguably pertain to the continued hegemony of the U.S. And these are the reasons that we do not have foreign bases in our country. Quite simply, any allied country that wishes to get resources from us can trade with us, any country that wishes to gain influence with our government can establish an embassy or allow for a U.S. military base in their own country and any enemy country obviously won't be allowed anywhere near our borders for national security reasons. And finally, the operation and maintenance of foreign bases are very expensive, and not many countries can afford such a thing. There's simply no reason for other countries to have bases in the U.S, as opposed to the many reasons for America's bases abroad.

Another thing to take into account is the stability of a country. An unstable nation with strategic importance (either resources or geopolitically) can often be helped by a U.S. base being in the area. Foreign governments with rebellious citizens or organized crime issues are happy to have the support of more powerful and advanced troops nearby. And the U.S. is happy to put a base there if it serves a purpose. In all honesty, I think that many of the motives behind U.S. military and foreign policy in the Middle East lie in the need for stability in the oil rich region. While future decisions for the creation or deconstruction of military bases abroad will be long debated, overall the preponderance of American hegemony, not an American Empire, will be at the heart of each decision.