When America took the top chimp spot from Britain, it assumed the costs and responsibilities of being the global hegemonic power. However powerful it may be, America cannot remain the guarantor of global security without the active support of its allies. All those countries that wish to maintain peace, stability and security in the world need to substantially beef up their armed forces and work in close alliance with the United States. Those who freeload on America are making a false economy. War, insecurity and conflict is infinitely more expensive than spending money on a well-equipped, well-trained military that you never need to use.