The Rise and Fall of Empires
Read Brian Sankarsingh's take on the Age of Empires
Empires rise and fall. It is an historical and empirical fact. This cyclical movement can be tracked through
1. A growth of Power
2. The move to Expansion
3. The rise of Corruption, and
4. The eventual descent into Decay.
We see these phases played out within certain degrees variation when we look at the Roman Empire, the German Reich, and most recently the American Empire. Each followed their own path towards decadence and decay, but their overall patterns are familiar.
Rome: Slow Collapse
The Roman Empire didn’t fall overnight. It crumbled over centuries due to a combination of internal corruption, economic collapse, and external invasions. Leaders became self-indulgent, prioritizing personal luxury over governance. The military, once Rome’s backbone, grew weak due to poor training, lack of funding, and reliance on mercenaries who had no true loyalty to Rome. The government overspent on extravagant projects and wars, leading to crippling taxation that burdened ordinary citizens. Civil unrest grew, and when barbarian groups like the Visigoths and Vandals finally broke through, Rome lacked the strength to resist effectively.
The German Reich: Rapid and Violent
The Third Reich fell fast. Hitler’s expansionist ambitions overstretched Germany’s military and resources. The Nazi government operated under a totalitarian system that suppressed dissent but could not eliminate it entirely. Internal resistance movements grew, and the economy, heavily reliant on war production, could not sustain itself in the long run. The turning point came when Germany faced a two-front war against the Soviet Union in the east and the Western Allies in the west. Once the Allies pushed back and occupied German territory, the Nazi regime collapsed in a matter of months. Unlike Rome, which had centuries of gradual decline, Nazi Germany imploded under the weight of its own aggression and unsustainable policies.
America: A Decline in Progress
The U.S. isn’t collapsing overnight like the Reich, but it’s not taking centuries like Rome either. However, the signs of decline are clear. There is, for example, political dysfunction. The U.S. government is plagued by partisan gridlock, corruption, and an erosion of public trust in leadership. Political polarization prevents meaningful progress on critical issues, making governance ineffective. Powerful lobbyist groups use often questionable practices to influence decision makers. Our most recent example is seen with the new incoming President Trump and his sidekick Elon Musk (or might that be the other way around? No one knows) and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This organization has basically taken over the bureaucracy with plans of systematically dismantling it. An unelected and unverified person (and his employees) now had access to the personal tax and financial information of millions of Americans.
Then there is the spectre of economic strain. The US national debt continues to rise, inflation erodes purchasing power, and wealth inequality creates a gap between the rich and the struggling middle and lower classes. President Trump’s tariff war with originally Mexico and Canada is now being expanded to other countries. This may affect these countries, but in the short and long term will affect the pockets of every American.
Another sign is militaristic overextension. The U.S. military is spread thin, engaged in conflicts across multiple regions. Maintaining global military dominance requires massive spending, which drains national resources and contributes to economic instability. This is further exacerbated by President Trump treating Gaza like a real estate deal and reneging on US military aid to Ukraine while laying wreaths at the feet of Vladimir Putin.
As the combined pressure builds, there is also the inevitable social fragmentation that follows. Deep internal divisions along racial, ideological, political, religious and economic lines weaken national unity. Protests, civil unrest, and political extremism indicate deep societal fractures that make collective action increasingly difficult. The US, once a force on the world stage, is quickly becoming so divided internally that many have lost their own internal moral compass. There is a refocus on white supremacy and chilling anti-immigrant position which is guided by a neo-Christian nationalistic ideology.
Finally, we are seeing cultural decay. This is foreshadowed by the declining trust in institutions such as the media, education system, and government. This facilitates by a rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories, both of which erodes the foundation of informed decision-making, weakening democratic processes.
America’s decline is driven by self-inflicted wounds, much like Rome. Its military might remains, but internal instability could accelerate its fall. Can this be reversed? Or will it follow the path of past empires?
Empires rise on iron and gold Built by hands both fierce and bold Cities shine; their banners high As their kingdom meets the sky Rome once stood, a titan vast Legions strong, their shadows cast Marble halls and roads so wide But greed and rot grew deep inside Gold was spent, tax was high Soldiers hired, their hearts were dry When strangers knocked upon the door The Empire fell, to rise no more Germany rose amidst fervent cries A reckless dream with blinded eyes Power burned with ruthless fire War consumed the mad desire Two-front battles, shattered ground The eagle fell without a sound No time for whispers, slow decay The Reich dismantled in a day America once proud and tall Feels the weight, begins to stall Divisions grow, the wealth divides Power clings but slowly slides Armies roam, the world in sight But debts grow deep and dim the light A house divided and torn by rage As history turns another page Charlatans standing up to pray In the waning light of day A house divided cannot stand This is true for god and man Empires rise on iron and gold And inevitably they grow old Their voices fade, their banners fall Time moves on beyond them all.
Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a two-time award-winning poet and author. He is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.
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