In many ways aircraft carriers helped the U.S. win in the Pacific theater during WWII. Since being widely used then, they have become a projection of American military dominance. Nearly every conflict since the end of WWII has seen carriers deployed.
However, in the age of missiles than can be launched from 100s of miles away there is a possibility of the once mighty American aircraft carrier becoming obsolete. Costing billions each and carrying 1000s of sailors, one could say that the U.S. Navy may have too many eggs in one basket.
With both the Chinese and Russians exploring the use of hyper-sonic missiles, the carriers age of dominance may well be over.
Von Clausewitzsaid said that "war is an extension of politics". Since the 1950s America has used the threat of war and its military supremacy to pursue a political agenda.
Are nearing the end of that strategy?
What wider implications does this have for American hegemony worldwide?
This is but one example of why the American empire is and will collapse.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jun/3/russia-tests-hypersonic-missile-which-it-says-make/
http://www.scout.com/military/warrior/story/1683130-af-speeds-hypersonic-arms-vs-russia-china