Thanks for your obsevations.  

I remember Vietnam, and left it out for reasons of simplicity.  But you are right:  As early as the 1970s  one could see that the American Century would likely be ending, in effect by choice.  

There is indeed a progression from there to the atrocities of this century, and disenchantment has been a gradual process with many events along the way.  

The Fates are kind.

Here it is rather convincing written that Washington all the time expected the Europeans to follow.
An exerpt:
"Europeans, I was told, always loudly disagree with US proposals but, in the end, whether it be expanding NATO or recognizing an independent Kosovo, will acquiesce to what America insists upon. At the same time, the US can continue to have fundamental disagreements with its European partners over matters such as climate change policy or international law without causing any major damage to the relationship."

Der Amerikaner ist die Orchidee unter den Menschen
Volker Pispers