Is the United States the new Rome? Its military spending says it all

‘Front Lines,’ Christopher McFadden’s’ bi-weekly column, examines warfare past, present, and future. McFadden analyzes cutting-edge military tech, and global defense policies, highlighting the forces shaping our world’s security landscape.

At the height of its power, the Roman Empire dedicated a significant portion of its state resources to maintain its legions, although precise figures are difficult to determine due to the lack of a modern economic framework like GDP. Estimates suggest that military expenditures could have consumed up to half of the state’s budget, reflecting the empire’s prioritization of military might in sustaining its vast territories.

In contrast, the United States today spends approximately 3.3 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on its military—about $916 billion annually. Despite the differences in context and economic structure, this modern expenditure supports a global military presence that some argue mirrors Rome’s expansive reach in its prime.

Let’s take a look.

It’s all in the name

But before we get into the weeds, it is probably worthwhile to define an empire. Definitions vary, but the most common characteristics of one are territorial expansion, military domination, and the ability to control (directly or indirectly) other nations.

It should also be noted that the definition is not set in stone. Cultural influence (fashion, media), economic control (petrodollar), and soft power are also considered aspects of an empire.

Rome, which ticked all these boxes, used its military might to expand far beyond its homeland of central Italy. From the foundation of the empire in 31 BC , it took around 150 years to extend its reach from the British Isles to Northern Africa.

This was achieved through military might, political nous, and trade. The United States, while officially a Federal Constitutional Republic, mirrors, in some aspects, what Rome achieved all those many years ago.

It has around 800 military bases worldwide and plays an enormous role in geopolitics today. In this sense, its tendrils can be felt directly in over 70 countries, projecting its power and influence in a way Roman emperors could only have imagined.

However, there is one key difference between the two. The US has not officially annexed territories like the Romans. However, it’s military interventions and economic influence across the globe have, some might argue, all the hallmarks of such actions.

Whatever the case, all that military action costs money and a lot of it. According to the most up-to-date figures, US military spending is in the order of $916 billion . For that expense, the United States stands alone as the most powerful military force the world has ever seen.

Rome’s military spending, however, cost its citizens per head much less. The tax rate per citizen varied, but at its height, most would expect to pay between three percent and five percent of their income to maintain the empire.

Today, citizens of the United States (or any modern nation) would love such a bargain.

War abroad, peace at home

It is an old trope, but constant waging of war abroad can create peace at home. This works for a while, but money and civilian “ war weariness ” eventually take their toll.

To this end, Rome eventually saw massive economic strain from all its foreign wars. This would eventually lead to inflation and ever-increasing domestic issues that frequently erupted into civil wars within the empire.

This would eventually form a significant reason for the empire’s decline and fall, as large foreign armies would eat away at its power over time. In its own “peacekeeping” activities, the United States has (rightly or wrongly) fomented much resentment in many areas worldwide.

While this hasn’t (yet) happened in the United States, she would do well to head Rome’s folly.

Since its rise as the supreme global power after the fall of the British Empire, the United States has flexed its military might worldwide.

Just as Rome’s relentless military campaigns eventually strained its economy and led to social unrest, America’s enormous defense budget raises questions about its sustainability and the impact on domestic programs. Can it maintain its edge forever?

Or will the realities of irresponsible fiscal policies eventually lead to her downfall, like Rome so many years before?

Just a number

But this comparison has a problem. Military spending as a percentage of GDP does not make an empire.

If the definition of an empire were based on this, then countries like Ukraine would also be considered one. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPIRI) Military Expenditure Database, Ukraine currently ranks number one in terms of military spending of all nations, at around 65% of GDP.

The United States doesn’t even rank in the top fifteen, with countries like Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Oman, Israel, Kuwait, Poland, and India beating her in GDP spending terms.

Yet, who would argue that any of these nations are empires?

However, in absolute terms, the United States spends 37 percent of global spending on its armed forces alone. So where is all that money going?

Well, the second largest nuclear arsenal , the world’s largest fleet, the world’s largest and most advanced army, and the most powerful air force, for starters. As previously mentioned, her extensive global presence and financial/military support for other nations also eat into its budget.

The United States also spends much of its military budget on research and development of future weapons. While most projects are top secret, hypersonic weapons, energy weapons, stealth technologies, drones, and space-based systems are all top priorities.

Afterall, news of the latest American t hingamajig is a mainstay of many online and offline military publications.

The past is a great teacher

However, in the rapidly changing global landscape, it is essential to question whether military dominance can be sustained or if a new vision is needed to balance power with diplomacy and cooperation.

History has shown that even the mightiest empires can fall—how will America choose to define its legacy?

And that’s your lot for today.

Rome and America have devoted substantial resources to maintaining a global military presence, with similar goals of securing their influence and interests. So, as we reflect on the lessons of history, America must decide whether to continue on a path reminiscent of Rome or to redefine its role in the world for a new era.

So, is the United States an empire in all but name? We’ll let you decide.