Graphics: 67 Countries which the US Government is Obliged to go to War for

The policeman of the world has defense treaties with 67 countries, which means US government is obliged to go to war to defend them during conflicts.

Writes the Mental Floss (hat tip Lew Rockwell )

The United States has entered a lot of treaties over the years, especially after the complicated network put in place after World War II. The Myth of Entangling Alliances by Michael Beckley sought to figure out a hard number for just how many countries the United States has agreed to defend in war. Thanks to NATO, ANZUS, OAS, and bilateral agreements, the U.S. has promised 67 countries protection. Here's a look at the list included in Beckley's paper:

Some insights from the above. First, there is a big probability for the US to be drawn into (needless) wars. Second, the US government military have been spread too thin. Third, this represents great business for the military industrial complex. Fourth, this also represents expanded US political influence on nations with which the US has defense treaties. Fifth, expanded political influence also translates to monetary and economic influence (US dollar standard)