This take comports with my understanding of the early days of the US imperial project, which was almost entirely made up of "everyday labor and engaged interests of an array of mid-ranking state actors, influential lobbyists, behind-the-scenes pundits, publication editors trying to control or frame the agenda." Contingency explains how it turned out far better than manifest destiny or state planning. Would that the "‘middling’ government and civic actors, and even mobilized social classes" could abandon "had to decisions" that disguise violent grabs for status and wealth for something better, for themselves and the common good.
This take comports with my understanding of the early days of the US imperial project, which was almost entirely made up of "everyday labor and engaged interests of an array of mid-ranking state actors, influential lobbyists, behind-the-scenes pundits, publication editors trying to control or frame the agenda." Contingency explains how it turned out far better than manifest destiny or state planning. Would that the "‘middling’ government and civic actors, and even mobilized social classes" could abandon "had to decisions" that disguise violent grabs for status and wealth for something better, for themselves and the common good.