The U.S. Empire of Bases: How Much Land Does America Really Control Overseas?
From military forts to black sites, the U.S. government leases or owns millions of acres abroad—here’s what the data reveals.
Introduction
The United States maintains a sprawling global network of military bases, embassies, and covert facilities—a modern empire built not on colonies, but on leased land and forward-deployed power. As Marxists, we understand that imperialism isn’t just about economic domination; it’s about physical control. So just how much territory does the U.S. occupy worldwide?
While no single document provides a full accounting (thanks to secrecy and bureaucratic fragmentation), these are the most definitive sources available.
1. The Pentagon’s Global Footprint
The Department of Defense (DOD) is the largest overseas landholder, with ~750 military bases in 80+ countries (per researcher David Vine). The latest 2023 Base Structure Report ([PDF link](https://www.acq.osd.mil/eie/BSI/BEI_Site/BaseStructure2023.pdf)) reveals:
- 26.9 million acres under DOD control worldwide (including domestic land).
- Germany (119 sites), Japan (120+), and South Korea (83) host the most installations.
- Many bases operate under Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), allowing near-sovereign control.
Why it matters: These bases aren’t just defensive—they enforce U.S. hegemony, protect corporate interests, and threaten sovereign nations (e.g., Guantánamo Bay’s indefinite occupation).
2. Embassies, Spying, and "Soft Power" Outposts
The State Department’s Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) manages:
- ~22,000 properties (embassies, consulates, housing) across 190+ countries.
- Luxury compounds, like the $1 billion, 12-acre London embassy.
- Budget documents ([FY 2024 OBO request](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/FY-2024-OBO-CBJ-Final.pdf)) show constant expansion.
Meanwhile, the CIA and NSA run undisclosed sites—from drone bases (e.g., Niger) to black-site prisons (exposed by The Intercept and Washington Post).
3. The Hidden Costs of Empire
- $150+ billion annually to maintain overseas bases (per Base Nation).
- Environmental destruction & local resistance (e.g., Okinawa’s anti-base movement).
- Legal impunity: SOFAs often exempt U.S. personnel from host-nation laws.
4. How to Research Further
Want to dig deeper? Check:
- Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports ([U.S. Military Presence Abroad, 2022](https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46916)).
- FOIA requests for lease terms (e.g., Guantánamo’s $4,085/year "rent").
- Brown University’s Costs of War Project ([Military Footprint Data](https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/papers/2021/USMilitaryPresence)).
Conclusion: Imperialism’s Ground Truth
Land is power. The U.S. empire—though declining—still dominates vast territories worldwide, propping up capitalism’s global order. As internationalists, we must:
1. Expose these holdings (e.g., map bases in Africa/Asia).
2. Support anti-base movements (Okinawa, Diego Garcia, etc.).
3. Fight for a demilitarized, socialist future.
Further reading:
- Base Nation by David Vine (2015).
- The Sorrows of Empire by Chalmers Johnson.
Call to Action:
Found this useful? Share it—and let’s discuss: Which U.S. overseas bases should we investigate next? Drop suggestions in the comments.