I have a fair idea as I am well traveled, but have chosen to stay home and I advise anyone who asks to do the same.

The Marshal Plan was just the start. We spent billions, if not trillions, on Europe's defense that freed them up to do whatever they wanted with their money. I'd like to see the result if you had to have collectively paid to stop the Soviet domination threat (maybe you should talk to a Pol or Czech or someone who lived under it before you decide if it was worth it ). Europe acts like a teenage kid when it comes to recounting our contribution to their welfare, if it worked well it was their hard work and idea, if it was bad and the world moaned it was the parents' ( US's ) idea.

Another area overlooked is the scientific advancement due to the space program. Yeah, we got our share of scientists after the war ( to keep them from Russia, we had our own too ) but how much money did we pour into that program since 1950's and all the technology gleaned ( aviation, propulsion medical, astronomy etc... ) from it and we "let" everyone of our "allies" share in the benefit by giving them not only technology but working models of instruments, data, and samples. Then there was the cry from the rest of world to include them so we let them join our programs at no relative cost to their elective cultures all in the name of inclusion and one happy world. We give until it hurts us and what we get in return is condemnation and second guessing. Maybe just an occasional thank you and we might tolerate the crassness a little better.

The same can be said of our nuclear navy, we paved the way and gave it away at no cost to anyone who asked, but I suppose it was a fair trade we got the Beatle's...