I always saw modern empires as being a degenerate forms of imperialism or a kind of corporate and political colonization. That is to say, that because of modern global politics a country can no longer justifiably invade, loot, and colonize another in the way they once could. Instead, they exert influence in order to create friendly environments for their business and political interests. This works fine for the imperial governments and the large corporations but does nothing to benefit the citizens of those empires which is why I view as a bastardized form of imperialism.

I don't support imperialism but I feel like if we have to be a citizen of one of these empires then we should at least receive the benefit of that imperialism. I would rather the stolen treasure go to build roads and museums the hungry instead of enriching the already wealthy but our system doesn't allow that.