But it sure paints a different picture doesn't it?
Not really. Unless, "the others were doing it too" (a standard schoolboy excuse) is acceptable when it comes to international affairs.
That of course depends on whether your an idealist or a realist.
Never heard a teacher say that...
In international politics there is no teacher. That's the problem.
But morality is morality.
Morality isn't black and white.
Indeed. Does that excuse US aggression?
It depends...
You can write volumes on interpreting the cost and benefits of US aggression. Five-fold for British and 10-fold for Roman, Qin and Ottoman.
I just accept it as is and the answer isn't as easy as "morality."