The Impact of The Past Empires on Today’s Politics and Sovereignty

Empires have a lengthy and complex history, serving as diverse political entities that govern various peoples in distinct ways. In contrast, the modern nation-state appears as a relatively recent phenomenon with an uncertain future. By exploring the trajectories of historical empires—including their establishment, conflicts, rivalries, successes, and failures—we can uncover insights into the nature of sovereignty, which, both in the past and in many contemporary contexts, is often complex, fragmented, layered, and organized around multiple principles and practices. This essay highlights the various power dynamics employed by empires as they extended their control into culturally diverse regions. It emphasizes the tensions between incorporation and differentiation, the management of local elites and intermediaries, and the rivalries among empires that have shaped global history from antiquity to the present.

The Role of Intermediaries in Empires

Burbank and Cooper argue that the acquisition and maintenance of imperial power necessitated local intermediaries—individuals of influence drawn from conquered societies who facilitated control from a distance. However, the challenge with intermediaries was that their loyalty depended on perceived benefits and special concessions. Thus, empires had to develop strategies to incentivize cooperation and subordination. This led to what Burbank and Cooper describe as a "politics of difference," wherein empires governed various groups in ways that accommodated their distinct interests. The authors identify two general tendencies traced back to ancient empires, particularly the Qing and Han dynasties of China and the Roman Empire.

Cultural Inclusion versus Exclusivity

The Qing and Han dynasties recognized and preserved the ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity of their subjects, embracing cultural inclusivity. In contrast, the Roman Empire promoted its own culture as a unifying force, making acceptance of Roman customs essential for imperial citizenship. This distinction influenced the governance models of their regional successors. Both empires established frameworks for what the authors term "imperial imaginaries," visions of potential and desirable empire that shaped their political cultures. For instance, later Chinese rulers inherited a centralized and administrative political culture from their predecessors, which allowed for effective governance over vast territories.

Implications of Imperial Governance

The Roman emphasis on cultural conformity and the linkage of political power with military conquest served as a model for later Western empires. However, the Roman system's reliance on military leadership often led to civil strife, while its late-imperial monotheism made it challenging to maintain unity within a diverse polity. The authors highlight a paradox: empires that appeared technologically advanced and culturally superior often had shorter lifespans compared to those with longer histories, such as the Russian or Ottoman empires.

Modern Applications of Historical Techniques

In contemporary contexts, the legacy of past empires continues to influence political dynamics. For example, China's resurgence in the global economy echoes imperial strategies from the past, as its leaders draw upon traditions from the Qing dynasty to navigate modern challenges. Additionally, the Ottoman Empire's practice of employing individuals detached from their communities for positions of authority was mirrored in European colonial strategies, which utilized similar tactics in regions such as India.

The Evolution of Sovereignty

The authors assert that understanding the role of intermediaries is crucial in examining historical political relationships, which often overshadow contemporary discussions focused on horizontal affiliations based on class, race, or ethnicity. The article explores the Soviet Union's strategy of fostering republics led by communist intermediaries, illustrating how these approaches provided a framework for negotiating new forms of sovereignty. The emergence of the European Union further exemplifies how former empires relinquished their imperial ambitions in favor of administration and regulation, resulting in a complex arrangement of sovereign nations.

The United States as a Modern Empire

Today, the United States exemplifies an economic empire that employs imperial strategies reminiscent of historical empires. The U.S. has often intervened violently in other nations' sovereignty, reflecting a continuation of the "politics of difference" that characterized the Roman Empire. This historical legacy raises critical questions about the nature of sovereignty in an increasingly globalized world, where disparities in wealth and power persist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Burbank and Cooper argue that empires have facilitated global interactions among goods, people, ideas, and capital. While empires often operated through violent means that harmed populations, they also created powerful political structures that shaped the world. The authors suggest that the concept of sovereignty, rooted in imperial contexts, remains fraught with inequality and disparity. As globalization continues to evolve, it raises questions about the future of sovereignty: Can it ever be fully realized, or will the flaws of historical empire systems continue to influence contemporary governance?

Table of Empires and Their Governance Styles