The global base network predates and exceeds any empire’s military footprint in history

Evidence

You can tell a lot about a state from its transport system, and our chariot tells us a great deal about imperial Persia. … Public order was so secure that people could travel long distances without armed guards. And they could travel fast. With its horses specially bred for strength and speed, and with its large, steadying wheels, this chariot was the Ferrari or Porsche of its time. Broad dirt roads were kept wheel-worthy in all weathers, and there were frequent staging posts. Commands from the centre could be transmitted at speed across the whole territory, thanks to an entirely reliable royal postal service that used horsemen, runners and express messengers. — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 443 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Since the days of ancient Egypt, Rome, and China, military bases—especially bases abroad—have been a key foundation for imperial control over lands and people. … Rome, too, was an acropolis, and the Romans built temporary “Caesar’s camps” and castra stativa—permanent bases—across the reaches of their empire. Some Roman fortresses later provided foundations for the castles built by England’s Norman invaders. The Tower of London, one of Britain’s iconic symbols, was originally a foreign base built by William the Conqueror shortly after 1066. — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 55 (#qualifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: The global base network is what enables the U.S. to wage distant wars; US overseas bases extend an ancient imperial strategy of encircling domination; Postwar US power substituted a global base network for direct colonial control — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 96 (+2 more)

Related

• Foreign military bases have underpinned imperial control since antiquity. (similarity 0.89)
• The global base network is what enables the U.S. to wage distant wars (similarity 0.83)
• The U.S. base network exceeds any prior empire’s footprint (similarity 0.83)
• The overseas base network is what enables sustained distant warfare (similarity 0.80)
• Postwar US power substituted a global base network for direct colonial control (similarity 0.80)
• The US military can deploy power faster than any rival without foreign bases. (similarity 0.79)
• Postwar US military global reach exceeded that of any prior empire (similarity 0.79)
• Overseas bases reveal America’s permanent war footing and militarized economy (similarity 0.79)
• The United States planned its postwar base network before Pearl Harbor. (similarity 0.79)
• The U.S. holds more foreign bases than any empire in history (similarity 0.79)
• By 1900 the U.S. had an overseas base network rivaling European colonial powers (similarity 0.79)
• The destroyers-for-bases deal transformed the US into a global military power. (similarity 0.79)
• The U.S. can project force globally without any permanent overseas bases. (similarity 0.78)
• The Persian Empire had advanced transport and communication systems. (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• The global base network is what enables the U.S. to wage distant wars #expands (0.60)
• The Persian Empire had advanced transport and communication systems. #exemplifies (0.60) — Neil MacGregor, A History of the World in 100 Objects, 443
• Foreign military bases have underpinned imperial control since antiquity. #qualifies (0.60) — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 55
• US overseas bases extend an ancient imperial strategy of encircling domination #qualifies (0.50)
• Postwar US power substituted a global base network for direct colonial control #exemplifies (0.50) — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 96