We call it conquest.
Yes, but if they're allowed to have their own sovereign, democratically-elected government under their own flag, then it presents the image that they're independent and free. Whether or not that's really the case is a different matter. All that matters is what's on paper, enough to satisfy the legal beagles who make these decisions as to what is right and what is wrong.
Of course not. It's those warmongering élites.
Exactly.
I think the real underlying problem, at least looking at it from the standpoint of the American people, is the psychological effect it has on the masses. Think of it, ever since the end of WW2, the US was in a Cold War where there was always some level of military activity operating around the world. The U.S. public was in a Red Scare kind of mood - and while it subsided to some degree, it never really entirely went away. A similar warlike, quasi-fascist mentality has descended in the "war on drugs." And even though the Cold War ended, the same basic militaristic, interventionist policies persisted. Then, with 9/11 hitting us, the "war on terrorism" went into full swing, leading us to where we are now.
And with Cold War II starting up again with Russia and China, the US is lining up its allies and preparing - just in case.
We wonder why the people elect warmongers and why America seems to be drifting towards fascism. We've been on this course for a very long time now. By and large, the public has been already conditioned towards that way of thinking.