An empire is commonly known as a political system ruled by a supreme power with absolute authority with a singe large state or a combination of territories combined to be ruled by one dictator.

"Empire lite" is different from empire in that political domination is not achieved through territorial conquest, but rather through the use of diplomatic influence and military power without directly territorial conquest.

The theory that the United States is an example of "Empire lite" is expounded upon in Michael Ignatieff's novel "Empire Lite".