I agree with the sentiment of disengagement in today's world, but it has certainly worked in the past.

The Roman Empire exported its values, its religion and its domination very successfully during its hegemony. The difference is that modern Western liberal mores preclude the violent actions necessary to do that. Our modern minds just can't comprehend the actions of Caesar during the Gallic Wars for example. Most people, whilst they have heard of Caesar, in fact have no idea about what he did in practical terms to subjugate Gaul to Roman rule - the mass enslavements, the killings of all civilians without surrender, the total destruction of nations such that to this day no evidence remains that they existed, save for Roman writings etc etc.

If we aren't willing to do that, which most are not, then no point dilly-dallying around trying to push and prod with a few bombs here and there, people to do what we think is right.

That'll be my last word cos as you say it's straying off topic.