That isnt how international relations works. Lesson based on contemporary IR Systems Realism:

>Great powers are forced to manage the international system, or become a client of a great power. There are benefits to being a great power.

>When 1 great power builds weapons, everyone else is forced to too. This is called the Arms Race.

>Colonialism is one example of the Arms Race. If you didn't join the party, you were going to lose.

>Great powers put international politics above domestic politics. Its why we see the US do things like spend heavily on the military and get involved in unpopular wars.