A Republic, Not an Empire

"A Republic, Not an Empire" emphasizes that a nation should prioritize democratic principles, rule of law, and respect for individual rights, rather than conquest or territorial expansion. In a republic, power resides with the citizens through elected representatives, fostering governance based on consensus and justice. An empire, by contrast, often relies on control, dominance, and sometimes coercion over other nations or peoples for power or resources. The phrase advocates for a country's focus on internal governance, liberty, and cooperation with others, rather than pursuing imperial expansion that can threaten freedoms and destabilize international peace.