Niebuhr ( Irony ) quotes an unnamed European statesman who expresses gratitude for America’s help in resisting tyranny, but fear “that we might become an American ally.” America’s idealism doesn’t reassure him: “The idealism does indeed prevent America from a gross abuse of its power. But it might well accentuate the danger Europeans confront. For American power in the service of American idealism could create a situation in which we would be too impotent to correct you when you are... Read more

Charles Maier’s comparative study Among Empires: American Ascendancy and Its Predecessors reaches the waffly but accurate conclusion that the “United States reveals many, but not all – at least not yet – of the traits that distinguished empires.” Early on, he makes the helpful distinction between “being” and “having” an empire: “States that are empires usually most of their territory according to one encompassing authoritarian regime, which may, however, allow enclaves of semi-autonomy. Nations that have empires rule their possessions... Read more

A central thesis of Raymond van Dam’s The Roman Revolution of Constantine is that Constantine was obsessed with the issue of succession, and that religious concerns were subordinate to the need for a smooth transition of power. That thesis is, I think, overstated, but van Dam’s book has many virtues and offers plenty of insight. He uses articles and architectural evidence to very good effect, explains the symbolisms of names and actions, shows the consequences of Constantine’s decisions in the... Read more