Is America fighting for its empire?

Today my Archaeology teacher was talking about how every empire eventually completely caves in upon itself in one form or another, and I began to entertain the possibility that through all the protesting, arguing, and disagreement- perhaps the United States is acting accordingly.

If you consider what it will be like reading about the US 200 years from now, will its fall be that big of a surprise? The writing has been all over the wall since the 50s, and has riddled major media since the 80s.

So; is America justified in its actions to defend the empire, even if they don't come to truthful terms with them (has anyone ever?)

The empire isn't "America". The empire is a collusion between the largest corporations, the largest financial institutions, and whichever governments will get in line. Halliburton and The World Bank would love it if the US Federal Gov't gets all on the hook for its debts and had to cut services. So long as they keep funnelling money to oil companies and giant construction engineering firms, it's still the same empire.

And no, that empire isn't quitting anytime soon.