The United States- hegemony or empire?

The United States fits the definition of a hegemon more neatly then it fits the definition of an empire. It is less intent on conquest than on exerting power, and exerts power more for economic and political purposes, both internal and external, than for purposes of increasing territory or controlling foreign populations directly. The latter- increasing territory, controlling foreign populations directly- are only engaged in for the short term (i.e., a decade or so), and only when doing so serves economic and political aims, or is a consequence (not always desired, but sometimes) of attempts to meet these aims. This does not make our foreign policies any less despicable, but criticizing them effectively begins with seeing their character (hegemonic, rather than imperial) accurately.