What defines an empire?

An empire can be defined through several lenses, encompassing historical, political, and sociopolitical dimensions.

1. Historical Transition: Yaron Brook suggests that empires began with the invention of large-scale agriculture, leading to the creation of wealth, standing armies, and the subsequent rise of empires like the Babylonian, Assyrian, and Persian 1.

2. Incorporation of Territories: John Mearsheimer defines an empire as a country that incorporates different regions around the world into a vast sphere of influence without making them integral parts of the country. It often involves control over territories and colonies 2.

3. Nationalism vs. Empire: Empires contrast with nation-states, where nationalism—defined as the desire of distinct nations for self-governance—played a significant role in the collapse of many empires (e.g., British, French) in the 19th and 20th centuries 3.

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     1

     Nationalism and Freedom

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     2

     Nuclear Deterrence Dynamics

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     3

     The Fall of Empires

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     4

     Empire and Accountability

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     5

     Last Empire Collapse

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4. Imperial Hubris and Accountability: The notion of empire also involves the decision-making power of a central authority, often insulating itself from the accountability of those affected by its policies. This central power can make decisions "willy-nilly," as noted by Robert Crews, reflecting imperial hubris 4.

5. Post-Imperial Evolution: The collapse of traditional European empires, including the Soviet Union, marks significant shifts in global power structures. These empires often faced challenges from nationalist movements and evolving geopolitical dynamics, reshaping their structures 5.

These perspectives highlight the multifaceted nature of empires, rooted in historical conquests, political control, and responses to nationalist movements.