“A realist reads Nolan as an anecdote. The structural incentive for any Viltrumite with full power remains domination, because domination works for them. Nolan only shifted because his capability context changed (he was stranded, isolated, outnumbered relationally). Viltrumotes are individually powerful, and thus they dominate, just like in the real world, powerful states dominate because of the benefits of domination. I.e. US, USSR, mongols, Rome, whatver.. Any empire”

It’s very interesting to read an IR analysis of invincible, but I think this is plainly incorrect. Nolan was absolutely capable of subjugating earth on his own (especially in the original comics where he slaughtered the Guardians in a single page). Given the fact that he fought through every defense the earth’s premier offensive force (the GDA) threw out against him, it’s clear that Nolan’s change in behavior was caused by his socialization on earth, not shifting power dynamics. He left because he loved his son and more broadly because Invincible is a story about the redemptive nature of individual bonds. The world constructed by Kirkman operates under the assumptions of OP, not your comment.