The Roman Empire's Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability, has become legendary. From its inception under Caesar Augustus to its conclusion with Emperor Marcus Aurelius's death, this era witnessed reduced violence, flourishing trade, and significant territorial expansion, with Rome governing approximately one-third of the world's population at its zenith.

History has seen several similarly designated periods, but none as impactful as the Pax Americana. Generally considered to have begun after World War II in 1945, this era signifies the peace, prosperity, and advancement fostered by American power and its alliances. While some believed it culminated with the Soviet Union's fall in 1991 or ended with the early 2000s Iraq War, as the Pax Americana approaches its 80th anniversary, it appears vibrant and poised to ensure another century of American leadership.

This continued influence is undeniably positive. Despite declining faith in American institutions, the immense global good achieved by the United States should not be underestimated. American global leadership has ushered in an unprecedented period of sustained global progress. The foundations of Pax Americana can be traced back to the end of the Civil War, as the U.S. abolished slavery and embarked on industrial and societal transformation. Figures like Rockefeller and Carnegie amassed immense wealth, with Standard Oil once dominating the global oil market. America's international political and economic influence grew, with leaders like Washington and Lincoln capturing the global imagination. Teddy Roosevelt's Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the Russo-Japanese War and the U.S.'s crucial role in World War I further solidified this influence. While Woodrow Wilson's policies contributed to World War II, by 1945, America had become the world's most powerful nation.

At its economic peak, the U.S. represented over 50% of global GDP and held 80% of the world's hard currency reserves. Its transformed industrial and scientific base positioned it as a global innovator and exporter. American universities rose to global prominence, and Hollywood's influence spread American culture worldwide. Possessing the most formidable military and the most destructive weapon ever created, the U.S. emerged from the war with significantly fewer casualties than nations like Russia, Germany, and Japan.

Gunner in a U.S. Army tank. (Credit: U.S. Army)

Instead of exploiting this power for conquest, America used it for global good. The Marshall Plan rebuilt Europe, and America claimed minimal territory. The atomic bomb was not used again after ending the Pacific War. Japan was rebuilt and returned to its people. Military alliances and global aid programs were established to counter Soviet and Chinese communism. The darkest stains on this era were the horrific atrocities committed under Stalin and Mao, outside the American sphere of influence. Innovators like Norman Borlaug helped alleviate global poverty, humans landed on the moon, and the world entered an unprecedented era of safety, health, and prosperity.

While not as dominant as post-WWII, the U.S. remains a global leader, representing 4% of the world's population and 26% of its GDP. While other developed nations have slowed, America has continued to grow. Half of the world's leading startups are American, founded by both native-born and immigrant entrepreneurs. The U.S. dominates critical innovation sectors like AI, space, robotics, and biotechnology, often surpassing the rest of the world combined. Its military remains unparalleled, and its natural resources and domestic production ensure self-sufficiency. The dollar remains the global currency, American universities are still top-ranked, and its elections and culture are closely watched worldwide. Importantly, America has largely maintained its moral compass.

The Wall Street Bull (Fox News Photo/Joshua Comins)

America has faced challenges: questionable wars, political dysfunction, and threats to free speech and press. However, its strengths are remarkable. It continues to grow based on shared ideals, not ethnicity, and remains a remarkably tolerant and diverse nation. It is a major funder of international institutions and philanthropy. Its military power is used judiciously. It drives global medical and technological advancements. Critically, its military and alliances safeguard global freedoms against aggression.

Internal threats remain: debt, political division, potential erosion of legal institutions, and the risk of cultural stagnation. However, America has overcome such challenges before. Its democratic system, freedoms, and creativity have enabled it to stay ahead of these threats. Hopefully, this unparalleled era of peace will endure, allowing billions to thrive. As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the Pax Americana persists. The ongoing challenge is to sustain this era of peace and prosperity, ensuring America and the world remain both good and great.