Pax Americana
US-enforced global stability
Pax Americana is a period of relative international peace attributed to American military and economic dominance, modeled on the ancient Pax Romana.
The term typically refers to the post-World War II era, when U.S. power shaped global institutions and deterred large-scale conflicts between major powers: Critics argue the Pax Americana was never as peaceful as advertised.
The phrase can be used admiringly or critically, depending on one's view of American hegemony.
Dominant nation or magical ability
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- preeminenceSuperior status above others
- ascendancyDominant power or influence
- supremacyHighest rank or power
influence · control · authority · power · clout · predominance · unilateralism · interventionism
After hostilities end
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
- NATOWestern defense organization
- bipolarityTwo-pole condition
- détenteEasing of strained relations
Extending dominion over others
- neocolonialismIndirect foreign domination
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
- blowbackUnintended negative consequences
overreach · militarism · surveillance · dependency · double-standard · occupation · nation-building · backlash
Resistance to displacement
- orderMethodical arrangement or request
- securityProtection from threat
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
- armisticeAgreement to cease hostilities
deterrence · peacekeeping · pacification · coexistence · nonintervention · disarmament · demilitarization
Binding pact between nations
- allianceFormal union of parties
- multilateralismMulti-party international cooperation
- bilateralInvolving two parties
- statecraftArt of government
summit · ambassador · envoy · accord · negotiation · coalition · sanctions · mediation
superpower
Dominant nation or magical ability
- hegemonyDominant group's control
- preeminenceSuperior status above others
- ascendancyDominant power or influence
supremacy · influence · control · authority · power · clout · predominance · unilateralism · interventionism · coercion
postwar
After hostilities end
- containmentPreventing hostile expansion
- NATOWestern defense organization
- bipolarityTwo-pole condition
imperialism
Extending dominion over others
- neocolonialismIndirect foreign domination
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- inequalityUnequal distribution of resources
blowback · overreach · militarism · surveillance · dependency · double-standard · occupation · nation-building · backlash · resistance
stability
Resistance to displacement
- orderMethodical arrangement or request
- securityProtection from threat
- ceasefireAgreed halt to fighting
armistice · deterrence · peacekeeping · pacification · coexistence · nonintervention · disarmament · demilitarization
treaty
Binding pact between nations
- allianceFormal union of parties
- multilateralismMulti-party international cooperation
- bilateralInvolving two parties
statecraft · summit · ambassador · envoy · accord · negotiation · coalition · sanctions · mediation · conciliation
Pax Americanamultipolarity
Multiple competing power centers
balance of power · power vacuum · isolationism · Westphalian system