Dying Empires Drown In Their Own Delusions

"Historically, once an empire has been shot from its perch, it’s replaced by a rising power—one that’s more productive and more forward thinking in every way. Yet the US is hanging on tenaciously, and like any dying empire, its leaders are becoming increasingly ruthless, both at home and abroad, hoping to keep up appearances. Warfare is often the death knell of a declining empire—both in its extreme financial cost and in its ability to alienate the peoples of other countries."