American Empire (Ghost in the Shell)
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The American Empire is what the United States of America has apparently become in the anime and manga series Ghost in the Shell. It is featured prominently in the 2nd season of the TV anime. The American Empire was one of three countries formed from the collapse of the United States in the early 21st century. The American Empire consists of the states that formed the Confederate States of America, and controls the states considered to be in the American South and Southwest. Some viewers of the series view this future depiction of the US as anti-american in the portrayal of the US' benevolence as an empire (see: American Empire under colonialism).
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[edit] Background
After the end of nuclear World War III the United States was divided into three countries: the American Empire, the Russo-American Alliance, and United States of America. The American Empire had adopted an imperialist government, and in an attempt to regain world power, began deploying its soldiers in North and South America in an effort to secure new territory. Due to a battered post-war economy and weak political position, the American Empire entered a security pact with Japan, which had escaped WWIII largely unscathed. The pact reaffirms Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution in prohibiting Japan from both deploying its army overseas and possessing nuclear weapons. One of the major reasons the American Empire sought to enter this treaty was the "Japanese Miracle", radiation scrubbers, which negate the effects of nuclear fallout. This makes nuclear weaponry somewhat less devastating in the Ghost in the Shell universe, since the radioactive material left over from an atomic blast can be safely dealt with.
In 2020, the American Empire capitalized on a chance to expand itself into South America by calling for the deployment of UN troops to the region under the pretext of overthrowing the corrupt governments of Mexico and other South American countries. Through carpet bombing, mechanized troops, and wartime atrocities, the combined UN/AE swept up guerilla fighters who challenged the American Empire's authority.
In 2024, a civil war broke out in the Korean Peninsula, and the American Empire called for troop deployment under the name of UN to stabilize fighting within the peninsula. In reality, the American Empire hoped to acquire the natural resources in Korea, and promised to donate a portion of the material to Japan if they deployed their army in a supportive role.
The American Empire does not have a lot of influence outside of the North and South American continents, and its relationship with the countries of Europe is largely unknown, although it may be safely assumed that the AE is on friendly terms with at least some of the countries in Europe. The American Empire has very little influence in the Oriental area, although they do maintain sensitive listening satellites which can monitor all phone conversations throughout Japan. It is also never mentioned what influence, if any, the AE has over the Middle-East, Africa, and Australia.
[edit] Appearances
The American Empire makes small appearances in Ghost in the Shell material, usually in a secondary role.
[edit] Stand Alone Complex
The first appearance of the American Empire in Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex came in episode 10, "JUNGLE CRUISE", in which the American Empire dispatches two CIA officers to work with Section 9 in an effort to retrieve an ex-American Imperial Navy Petty Officer who has been murdering people in the city. The American Empire intends to cover up their war crimes by having Section 9 kill the murderer, but Section 9 fails to eliminate the killer. Later in the series, the American Empire allows Section 9 to access its highly sensitive reconnaissance satellites to listen in on all Japanese phone conversations in the hope that Dr. Imakurusu would turn up. The plan works, as the satellites locate the good doctor prior to the Japanese DEA doing so, giving Section 9 an edge in the race to find the Laughing Man.
[edit] 2nd GIG
The American Empire plays a more prominent role in the second season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Towards the end of the series, Gouda, the man in charge of the Japanese Cabinet Intelligence Service, attempts to have the American Empire launch a nuclear attack against Dejima Island to eliminate the refugees. This plan fails when Section 9’s Tachikoma tanks collide their AI satellite with the incoming warhead, causing the bomb to detonate prematurely. Gouda then attempts to defect to the American Empire, but is executed before leaving Japan.
[edit] Does it Exist?
There is some dispute as to whether "the American Empire" in the 2020's and onward is a separate political entity (possibly splintered) from the "United States" or whether the two are identical, both simply being names for the future face of the present-day USA.
Supporters of the existence of an independent future nation called the American Empire point to several episodes in which references were made to the American Empire, or alternatively, "Imperial America". In the first season of Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex the term American Empire appeared only twice, once in Episode 10 ("SA: A Perfect Day for a Jungle Cruise – JUNGLE CRUISE") and again in Episode 21 ("Left-Behind Trace – ERASER"). In the second season, Episode 14 ("Beware the Left Eye - POKER FACE") makes references to Imperial America, and the Tachikomas discuss the reason for the American Empire’s desire to renegotiate a security treaty with Japan. The American Empire also plays prominately in the CIS plot to turn the Japanese against the war refugees living in Dejima. This seemingly supports the existence of an independent nation referred to as the American Empire.
Those who oppose this view argue that "the American Empire" is merely another name for the United States. Supporters of this view point to the United States’ continued status as a superpower, which they say qualifies the US to be referred to as an empire. They note that the anime series mentions several administrative offices, positions (such as the Secretary of State) and agencies (such as the Central Intelligence Agency) which currently exist in the United States, with no change in title (unlike the various armed service branches mentioned, eg. American Imperial Army, American Imperial Navy, etc.). They also point out that citizens of the American Empire are still referred to as "Americans," and that the term "United States" does appear in the series (S.A.C., episode 16: "Chinks in the Armor of the Heart").
Others feel that the "imperial" title may simply be a Japanese reaction to the United States victory during World War II. This last explanation seems plausible, as the United States has maintained naval bases in Japan since the occupation of Imperial Japan by Allied forces at the end of WWII. One such base was mentioned in the S.A.C. Episode 16 ("Chinks in the Armor of the Heart").
Still others maintain that it is a mis-translation of the "Imperial Americana" often mentioned in author Masamune Shirow's manga work "Appleseed"
