Direct land acquisition is out of fashion only because there are better ways of control. That "world order" is indistinguishable from the systematic use of force and economic sanctions to make sure the "little guys" comply with the agenda of the big one. I feel stupid to have to phrase such a banality, hopefully you are not just acting naive?

Edit: Indeed, the big one may slowly be losing its advantage due to China development, leading to some readjustment. We should have little preference though, as to which world disorder we prefer.