I use the term "logic of empire" and "Pax Britannica" because I was born and raised at the twilight of Pax Britannica.
As to "Pax Americana". Someone has said tha "war is mankind's natural state. Peace is a condition to be inferred by the fact that there have been intevals between wars." Imaging the chaos that would be extant in the world but for the existence of the US as the pre-eminent world power.
I understand, to a small extent, and thanks for the explanation.
To understand conservative Americans a little more, one might look for a speck of the anti-materialistic principles (but not enough, IMO) in us, of those who opposed Charles I in the 1600s. ..."liberal" in the older sense (i.e., not socialist). ...this, despite what Hollywood portrays in generalization of us all. Generally, we are immoral in many ways but maybe more moral than many would expect in other ways.
I very much hope that the Iraqis continue a great and independent government that they will enjoy. And it is a near certainty, given the history of trade regarding the USA to date, that we will not take more from them than we will give or exercise any control over Iraq's leaders by threat of force, overt or covert. Germany is an example, as most Germans show animosity against us, yet we do not exercise any control over their government leaders to change that. Canada is another example. We even continue a trade deficit with Canada despite so much contempt for us there.