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Imperial overstretch

Phenomenon in international relations concerning the limits of hard power

Imperial overstretch

Phenomenon in international relations concerning the limits of hard power

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Imperial overstretch, also known as imperial overreach, describes the situation in which an empire extends itself beyond its military-economic capabilities and often collapses as a result. The idea was popularised by Yale University historian Paul Kennedy in his 1987 book The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers. The idea was expanded upon by Jack Snyder in his 1991 book Myths of Empire.

According to Jack Snyder, imperial overstretch happens when notions that security can best be achieved through imperial expansion guide policymakers. Snyder refers to these ideas as "myths of empire", as they tend to be counterproductive*.*

Paul Kennedy's view has been criticised from many directions, including by the postmodern historiographer Hayden White, economic historian Niall Ferguson and Marxist writers such as Perry Anderson and Alex Callinicos.

References

References

  1. Oberman, Heiko Augustinus. (1 January 1994). "The Impact of the Reformation: Essays". Wm. B. Eerdmans.
  2. Edwards, Mark U. Jr.. (2004). "Luther's Last Battles: Politics And Polemics 1531–46". Fortress Press.
  3. In Latin, the title reads {{lang. la. Hic oscula pedibus papae figuntur.
  4. {{langx. de. Nicht Bapst: nicht schreck uns mit deim ban, Und sey nicht so zorniger man. Wir thun sonst ein gegen wehre, Und zeigen dirs Bel vedere.
  5. Snyder, Jack. (1991). "Myths of Empire: Domestic Politics and International Ambition". Cornell University Press.
  6. Snyder, Jack. (2003). "Imperial Temptations". The National Interest.
  7. Zagacki, Kenneth S.. (Fall 1992). "The Rhetoric of American Decline: Paul Kennedy, Conservatives, and the Solvency Debate". Western Journal of Communication.
  8. Ferguson, Niall. (September–October 2003). "Hegemony or Empire?".
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political-terminology political-realism empires
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