No, the “American Century” is not over, nor is there any power to rival the U.S. at this time. Yet, we are no longer the “indispensable nation” in a post-Soviet unipolar world. We again face rising economic and geopolitical competitors. This course examines the decline and fall of two empires - the Roman and British Imperium - that once ruled virtually unchallenged. With the participants’ help, we’ll look for clues as to how and why empires can lose their mojo, technological and economic edge, and balance of power. In addition to a reading packet, we shall also read J.G. Farrell’s The Siege of Krishnapur for fun and insights.