R: America Should Be the World's Police

Many international relations scholars argue that the United States' position as a world power is unmatched by any other nation in history. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States has been left without an equal, having the largest economy and military budget on Earth. Even as nations such as China and Russia attempt to throw their weight on the world stage, America remains the primary influence in the world...for now.

Many argue that with this great power, our nation holds a great responsibility: The responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Some see our gigantic military as a possible force for good in the world, remembering its important role in the Second World War and in many wars since. Others, however, may argue that our nation is not virtuous or skilled enough to wield the sword that it is given, citing the results of our interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

With its power, what responsibility does the United States have to the world? When is foreign intervention justified? Is America's government virtuous enough to choose when to intervene? What would a world without a "world police" look like?