The article is written by Stephen M. Walt. He is the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Relations at Harvard University. The blog from which he articulates his positions can be found at http://walt.foreignpolicy.com/
Walt sets out principles of Empire. The are:
1. There is no such thing as a "benevolent" Empire.
2.All Empires depend on self-justifying ideology and rhetoric that is often at odds with reality.
3. Successful empires require ample "hard power."
4. As Empires decline, they become more opulent, and they obsess about their own glory.
5. Great Empires are heterogeneous.
6. When building an empire, it's hard to know where to stop.
7. It takes a lot of incompetent people to run an empire.
8. Great Powers defend perceived interests with any means at their disposal.
9. Nationalism and other forms of local identity remain a potent obstacle to long-term imperial control.
10. "Imperial Prestige" is both an asset and a trap.
The 10 principles above are the head notes to a very interesting conversation. If you are into understanding what our "leaders" are about, check it out. If not then take care and be good to yourselves.
Dang these sins. See you next time
Denny
