The problem is that this is a very outdated model because essentially the current world is not about the constant scramble for resources, slaves, soldiers, and tribute, but about technology and intelligence and being exceptional from within.
For example, China adds one entire Australian GDP internally yearly, without any risks associated with conquest, and their own citizens get a corresponding rise in real wages since they are the only contributors to that rise of productivity within.
Also, the Roman Empire massively expanded territory mostly when they were still a young and healthy empire, in the early stages, not when they were terminally ill like the US today. Imagine justifying all that conquest when you have record homelessness, record inter-racial tensions, deepest political polarization, etc. It will only backfire, whatever you do. What realistically can happen is that the US gets bogged down in Mexico, and Panama, and then they still also decide to attack China, but in a worse position than before, because of their envy and fear. If you didn't observe this already, that's shame on you, the weaker the US gets the more they are hostile against China.
