Contemporary America, with its unparalleled armaments and ambition, seems to many commentators an empire. Others angrily reject the designation. This book addresses these issues in light of the history of empires since antiquity and examines the structure and impact of these states and asks whether the US shares their traits and behaviour.

Contemporary America, with its unparalleled armaments and ambition, seems to many commentators a new empire. Others angrily reject the designation. What stakes would being an empire have for our identity at home and our role abroad? A pre-eminent American historian addresses these issues in light of the history of empires since antiquity. This elegantly written book examines the structure and impact of these mega-states and asks whether the United States shares their traits and behaviour.