Suggested Texts:

Ferguson, Niall. Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power (New York: Basic Books, 2003).

British historian Niall Ferguson sees Britain’s colonial empire as the first experiment in globalization. He calls it “Anglobalization.” He argues that the spread of capitalism, the rise of humanitarian values, the communications revolution, and the adaptation of parliamentary democracy can all be traced to Britain’s expansionist policies, which ended in the mid-twentieth century. Ferguson cautions, nonetheless, against the overextension of Empire.

Howe, Stephen. “American Empire: The History and Future of an Idea” Open Democracy (June 12, 2003).

Stephen Howe analyzes the historical arc of American Empire, with special comparison to the British experience and special emphasis on the U.S. as unprecedented hyperpower of the 21st century. He makes subtle distinctions between ‘empire’ and ‘imperialism’, and between ‘informal’ (mostly economic) and ‘formal’ control.