Diary Entry - World War 3?

The theory Michael Mendelbaum puts forth (or at least one of them) in his book The Case for Goliath suggests The United States of America has been serving a necessary and important role as the World's government post-WWII and during the Cold War, and although the world might not need all of those services anymore, the absence of a large, established, and declared state (as of yet, and not including al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations) to effectively oppose the US military-wise is proof we can't be seen as that bad around the world and many nations don't object to our presence but rather welcome it. Sure one can argue that America's mere presence is enough of a deterrent to people to oppose it militarily but that argument can go on forever, it is just like going around is circles. Have we risen as that powerful of a force after World War II that no country after it (other than the USSR) actively oppose it on an equal base, could a nation become that powerful in such a small amount of time? Just like during the Cold War, America was preferred by the majority of sovereign states because we were the lesser of two evils. America can still provide useful services around the world despite the end of the Cold War.
-----America is trying to become a better superpower, as we have noticed we are currently the only one. No force is policing us, therefore it is up to us to conduct matters in our hands properly, and not abuse the power. Just like people, countries make mistakes. The backbone of all nations is the government and every branch relies on people. The potential for corruption is present at all times, as a complete democracy is not yet possible. Any group, even large ones, have the possibility of corruption lingering at all times. It can be argued America is currently in that position, but things pass and hopefully Bush's administrations mistakes don't pop up in the future. All we can do is learn from the mistakes we have made and do better in the future, hopefully preventing further mistakes in the future. We may have failed at times in the past and are encountering rough patches in the present. You can't make progress if you're too afraid to fail. A willingness to potentially fail is the only way to truly make progress. Without deviation, progress is not possible. Perhaps if all people were too scared to make the world a better place, like the US has been attempting, maybe we would currently be embroiled in yet another World War.
-----Perhaps WWIII is currently being waged, out of the attempt to spread peace, the principles of democracy and free market, which is currently the most effective economic system currently available around the world. The US is leading the way in this global campaign which can be misconstrued and mistakenly seen as an attempt at global domination. I understand how it may seem that way to some people, because of the misunderstood and misguided conflicts we have gotten involved in lately. At times we might be pushing the limits trying to spread our "ideals" around the world but those are ones that have reasonably worked for us now and in the past all around the world. Though some nations may not think this will work for them, you might as well cooperate to avoid unnecessary deaths and later on peacefully create a different type of government and economy. Our method may not be perfect but it is a work-in-progress and can anyone provide a better method other than dictatorial, totalitarian, and religiously oppressive governments?