The US has maintained a sphere of influence for at least a century and this influence has become increasingly global and interventionist in the last half century. The Cold War heralded a new mentality in US foreign policy in which the US considered itself to be the policeman of the world. In the name of democracy, the US has destabilised elected governments and overthrown leaders for geopolitical advantage.

Australia has maintained a posture of submissiveness to the US where strategic interests are considered to be US interests.

Spy ships and Pine Gap - Brian Toohey