The world is becoming more connected. Due to your empire's strength and prominence, isolated pockets of the world have started using your language as a sort of unofficial lingua franca. People from every corner of the globe are learning to speak, argue, and curse in your language. Amused, you order your staff to pay close attention to these developments -- the strategist in you sees a way to turn this into an advantage.
Send your top scientists to host talks and conferences in other nations, increasing scientific allyship toward your empire.
When done right, a nation's culture can be the ultimate export. Produce movies, music, and fashion for the world's consumption.
There has been no better time to spread the faith: redouble your missionary efforts to the rest of the world.