 Prague is a beautiful city under any circumstances, but sometimes the universe determines to speak with even greater magic, and purpose. Ten years ago this month I accompanied my ex-wife an on academic fellowship to the Czech Republic. We had our indefatigable four-year-old, Dashie, in tow. Her job was to teach, ours to explore this glorious and historic city. It was a hot summer, uncharacteristic for Prague—the heat radiated off the stone walks and buildings. Dashie and I took refuge in a basement bowling alley many of those days. But before the weather turned oppressive, we walked. And walked. And we started to see connections that I had not anticipated.
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AuthorI am an editor and historian of US history, diplomacy, and international relations. Archives
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Why empire?This blog presents new scholarship on American empire, places the American experience in a broader and global imperial context, explores imperial habits throughout American society and culture, uncovers the imperial connections between the foreign and the domestic, and develops “empire” as a critical perspective.
At least two features in the American experience are clarified through the lens of American empire: First, we better understand persistent social inequities in a nation professing a fundamental commitment to equality. Second, even a cursory glance at American history makes plain the chronic violence at the center of US foreign policy, which frequently mounts or supports bloody military conflict abroad. Empire helps us recognize how and why the United States seems to be constantly at war--including often with itself--with all the foreign and domestic consequences thereof. |
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