German expansion affected states beyond Europe because international relations depended heavily on precedent. A power that overturned existing arrangements by force could give another government an example to follow elsewhere. Conduct in one region therefore influenced expectations in another. American distance from European disputes did not remove its interest in the rules under which other powers operated.
Notable Point · 45:51-46:34
Why German expansion concerned powers beyond Europe
Changes imposed by force in one region could create precedents for other powers, giving the United States an interest in German conduct beyond Europe.