The past and present relevance of empires
The project analyses the conceptual history of the empire and its relevance for international relations.Participants
Benjamin de Carvalho
Nina Græger
Kristin M. Haugevik
Halvard Leira
The project analyses the concept and practice of historical empires and their relevance in the analysis of international relations today. Studies of hegemony, as well as international events over the last five years have drawn our attention to empire. This project is based on several empirical studies of empires, including the Roman, Spanish, French, British, Russian and American empires. Of particular interest are geographical and cultural relations in these empires, their basic institutions and character, and the practices that led to their rise and, eventually, fall. The importance of historical empires also lies in their relevance for the understanding of contemporary international politics, as illustrated by ongoing debates about American hegemony, Putin’s Russia and the need for global order. The results of the project will be presented at a conference at NUPI on 23 January 2008 and published in Internasjonal Politikk in Spring 2008.
Funding
The Research Council of Norway.