Why must any nation, whether of the "free world" or not, try to take on the task of "leading" others?

[Pet68]

A very simple question, one that shouldn't require the use of baby-talk to explain it, but apparently there is at least one person here who just doesn't seem to be capable of understanding something so simple, so I thought I'd get some feedback from the more intelligent ones here.

The United States is often referred to as the nation that "leads the free world". Why? If that's the case, then the citizens of those nations that it pretends to "lead" should be able to vote in US elections.

[katiesmuff]

I think you are a bit diluted with your thinking. Just because a place is called a leader doesn't me everyone else bows down to them, it simply me in most cases that technology and ease of life exist with them which is a good thing for others to learn by.

[Pet68]

Katie! :)
Well, at least you didn't insult me this time, so that's good, and your answer actually isn't too bad, but I wasn't thinking in terms of technological know-how and progress, and more along the lines of why so many nations (especially in Europe) look to the US for political leadership, when they should stand on their own feet when it comes to things like defense.

[jshm2]

LOL, the USA never lead anything. they just blew smoke up it's ass to keep it onside.

You saw with Trump "demanding" respect from Zelenski, he just went and got a better deal elsewhere.

The purpose of a leader and his ability to lead, is what drives success.

[DrPepper12]

I think it's more metaphorical than reality and given our current quote unquote leadership I don't see why anybody should follow our example.

[exitseven]

We do not live in a vacuum and what one nation does can effect others.