Why is English the universal language?

Unlike most of the other answers here, language itself doesn't really come into it; English is perceived by many people as the universal language because of the former influence of the British Empire and the current influence of American political and economic hegemony.

Thanks 

Since this language has depended as a basic language in UN agencies beside French,Spanish, and Arabic 

Nowadays, English has become a universal language  because of many reasons;  One of them is that English has become the language of business, science and acafemic research. Another important reason is that popular American culture (like movies, music, and McDonald's) has quickly spread throughout the world.

I agree with experts answer. Thanks for the invitation. 

it is because english is a clear and understandable language. 

It is a universal language understood by almost all. All global documents are available in English Lamguage. It  is a most for the concern persons for upgrading lives.

Because most of the discovery done, are by English  and France men. Secondly they are the people that colonized most of this developed countries and for that reason most the project carried out is done in English. 70% of technological work is done by them, science research too. Since they are the origin of this technologies, every things about them is in English. They are not the majority but they dominate every other language. Not only language they trying dominate other language just because of that special skill of science and technology.

USA is world leader in many things,including economics and politics

Necessity is the mother of all inventions. After sign language, there was a need to interact with some common language. So, as English dynasties, who ruled almost the 70% of the world became international language. Secondly, most of the literature and electronic inventions were introduced and spread by English governments, it became natural instinct to know and get knowledge about English language.

 because of the former influence of the British Empire and the current influence of American political and economic hegemony.

Because English is one of the best to talk to people of all countries.