[geoschmo]

The world is not a game Yef. In the world not everyone is concerned with coming in first. In fact, the great majority of people are content with just having their needs met and being generally happy. So as long as America is generally not viewed as malevolent, the rest of the world isn't likely to try ganging up on us just because we are in "first place". Of course, if recent trends continue, that may not remain true...

In a game where the objective is first place, you have a great incentive to join with other smaller empires and take out the largest empire before they get so big they cannot be dealt with. Since noone is actually dying in the game, you will do things that you wouldn't do in real life where actual peoples lives depended on it.

It's the reason why banks can be robbed without all the customers jumping on the robber. You do what you are told and hope you don't get shot. If the guy walks in and starts shooting people indiscriminantly though, eventually a few people will gang up and try to jump him.