Yes, the US has, since the end of WW2, has been unable to reconcile two unreconcilable facts about itself: a bastion of freedom and and democracy on the one hand, and managing its global empire on the other. The implication here is that the plutocracy -- essentially a military-industrial-corporate-political complex/ruling class --- which rules the US extends its hegemony through the American Empire. And yes, the economic ideology and military alliances, including intelligence link-ups, form the basis of this power. The problem is, as witnessed by the Trump disaster, the US's internal cohesion, such is it ever was, is unravelling. Where that leads, no one knows.

On Australia, I don't recall Fraser's quote, but I don't think we think we are Amercans, but many of us on the progressive side, resent Australia being in effect America's "bitch" in the Asia-Pacific, more or less on call when needed. When America says "jump" we shout "how high!?" The shame is the all our political parties pander to American approval. Many of us would like to see the US-AUS alliance as one based on mutual respect and shared values, not the kind of disgusting sycophancy that led us to disgraces like Vietnam and Iraq, and even Afganistan, which hasn't been about terrorism since all the terrorists fled the country within weeks of the invasion, and now the evolving surveillance hegemony. I actually think that Americans and Australians as people share many similar qualities, including a resentment of excessive authority and a belief in individualism. That's why, personally I have always enjoyed the company of Americans. But the alliance between our two countries is an alliance between classes and power structures.