While the term "imperialism" has evolved over time, it generally refers to the policy of extending a nation's influence through diplomacy or military force. In the context of modern U.S. foreign policy, imperialism may be less about acquiring new territories and more about maintaining global hegemony and pursuing economic and strategic interests.

The United States does not have formal colonies in the traditional sense. However, it has territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, which can be seen as a form of modern colonialism. The inhabitants of these territories are U.S. citizens or nationals, but they lack full political representation in the U.S. government and cannot vote in presidential elections.

The United States has also been involved in various regime change efforts, both overt and covert, throughout its history. In the post-Cold War era, U.S. interventions in Iraq (2003) and Libya (2011) led to the overthrow of the respective governments, with the justification being to promote democracy and protect human rights. Critics argue that these actions are examples of modern imperialism, driven by strategic and economic interests. Additionally, the U.S. has supported opposition groups and governments in various countries, such as Venezuela, where the U.S. recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president in 2019.

These examples should not be taken as an exhaustive list but rather as illustrations of how modern U.S. imperialism can manifest in various forms. Some argue that this behavior is justified in the pursuit of democracy, human rights, and global stability, while others view it as an infringement on the sovereignty of other nations.
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