The Roman Predicament: How the Rules of International Order Create the Politics of Empire Paperback - 2008

First line

MODERN America is strangely fascinated with imperial Rome.

From the rear cover

"In a glut of books about American empire, Harold James's stands out for its subtlety and erudition. Few other scholars could so elegantly and persuasively relate Edward Gibbon's account of the decline of Rome to the present predicament of the United States."--Niall Ferguson, Harvard University, author of Empire and Colossus

"In today's public debate, historical analogies usually come cheap. In Harold James's hands, historical parallels and themes are marshalled with wisdom and insight--judiciously connected without being overdrawn--and ultimately provide enlightenment. The Roman Predicament gives us the real lessons for today from the Roman and British empires while deflating the delusions of the neo-imperialists and their left-wing counterparts. Power, law, and wealth work in tandem to thrive, and James shows us how."--Adam Posen, Senior Fellow, Institute for International Economics

"In a glut of books about American empire, Harold James's stands out for its subtlety and erudition. Few other scholars could so elegantly and persuasively relate Edward Gibbon's account of the decline of Rome to the present predicament of the United States."--Niall Ferguson, Harvard University, author of Empire and Colossus