empire building

American  

noun

1. the plans, activities, achievements, etc., of an empire builder.

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Etymology

Origin of empire building

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

One reason the Monroe doctrine and empire building went out of fashion was that colonies and client states wanted out.

From The Wall Street Journal

We need to find a way of making referees invisible again because, at the moment, we have a system that has turned officiating into nothing less than empire building, meaning you often hear more people talking about VAR and refereeing decisions than you do about goals scored or conceded.

From BBC

Yes, there had always been daytime game shows, but after “American Idol” and “Survivor” became prime-time hits and the Kardashians began their empire building, the reality craze spread like kudzu through broadcast and cable.

From Los Angeles Times

Roc Nation's head of rugby has to overcome an ingrained culture that prioritises the dressing-room collective above individual empire building, even if the example of United States sevens player and social media superstar Ilona Maher has changed perspectives.

From BBC

But their empire building has not been without its controversial moments, with questions raised about EG Group's governance and a fine for "appalling" safety breaches at a former company.

From BBC