History has witnessed the rise and fall of various global empires at particular historical periods. This rise and fall of nations is usually a result of nations trying to compete with each other for supremacy. Some of the empires, which dominated in past centuries, include the Roman Empire, the Persian Empire, and the Greek Empire. These empires thrived by conquering more territories to stamp and expand their authority. In the wake of the rise of these empires, they thrived politically and economically, thus dominating the rest of the world. However, the supremacy did not last for long as nations kept on overthrowing each other in a show of supremacy. One of the ways nations and empires were overthrown was through wars, conquests, colonization, and battles. Modern times are no different as various nations battle it out to become the ultimate superpowers. The United States of America has weathered many storms to emerge the world superpower capable of coming up with global policies. However, there is a possibility that there will be a shift of power from the West to the East. Asian countries such as China are threatening to oust the United States of America thanks to its accelerated economic growth.
The rise and Fall of Rome
The Roman Empire is perhaps one of the most famous world empires to have ever existed and thrived. This empire, which was founded in 753 BC, flourished in the 1st to the 4 th AD and was able to control the politics of North Africa, Europe and some parts of East. Its success story was partially due to its ideal geographical location close to Tiber river which provided easy access to the Mediterranean and ultimately to Africa, Europe, and the East. More so, this empire was on seven hills meaning that no one would enter the city without being seen 1 (Cole and Symes 268). The seven hills thus provided a natural fortress, which assured the success and safety of this empire. The epitome of the success of this empire was under the leadership of Julius Cesar who built on the success of Augustus. During the reign of Augusts, Rome experienced prosperity and peace. In the first two centuries of its existence, Roman Empire expanded into the Italian Peninsula through conquests and formation of alliances. Later on, the Roman Empire gained entry into Egypt, Germany, and Spain thus stamping on its supremacy. By 98-117 AD the Roman Empire was controlling over 21 percent of the global population spread over 5 million square kilometers of its territory.
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The Roman Empire in as much as it had thrived reached the end of success story between 180-192 AD. The road to a downfall was mainly due to internal political conflicts. By this time power had changed hands so many times threatening the political and economic stability in this empire. According to Cole and Symes, the Roman soldiers continually waged war against the emperors bringing them to their deaths 2 . Moreover, during the reign of Constantine the Great, Christianity became a state religion replacing the traditional religion, which was polytheistic. Initially, Christianity was not tolerated as it demeaned the emperors, as the Christians would not venerate them in as much as they took the place of gods 3 . The rise of Christianity in every corner of the Roman Empire fuelled the downfall of this empire to a great extent leading to the division of the empire into two- the western half and the eastern half. To make matters worse, the empire faced external threats from Parthians and Germans 4 . These threats ultimately depleted the Roman empires resources and riches making it vulnerable to defeat. Finally, in 476 A.D., the Roman Empire collapsed with the defeat of Romulus who was the last of the Roman emperors in the western half of Rome.
The Future of the United States
The United States of America has for the last few decades been a world leader in terms of political, cultural and economic influences. Most global nations rely on this great nation to thrive through bilateral trading agreements. More so this nation has at the forefront of coming up with global policies which regulate almost every sphere of human life. Consequently, the economic, political and the cultural capabilities have made this nation to be a global leader and thus a superpower. The United States of America owns this title due to its thriving manufacturing industries, which provide it with numerous exports to the rest of the world . Additionally, its thriving economy attracts foreign investors who are keen on making it big in this nation. Its companies have also opened businesses across the globe increasing its chances of accelerated growth. However, this fortune is bound to change with the entry of China, Japan, and other countries from Asia, which have industrialized in the recent past. Most nations are now turning their focus to the East especially China for industrial goods and expertise. Development projects, which were initially conducted by the US, are now in the hands of the Chinese. The proposition is especially true in Africa where many governments are calling on the Chinese government and financial institutions to aid in their development.
The 21 century has witnessed a shift of economic power from the West to the East. China has invested heavily in the education of its people and consequently in its manufacturing industries. The world market is currently flooded with industrial products from China. What makes the Chines products to be more popular is the fact that they are cheaper as compared to Western products. Another scenario which has made power to shift from the West to East is a medical advancement in the East especially India. Most people seeking medical attention are no longer flocking to American medical facilities but are instead opting to visit India. This kind of shift is threatening America supremacy. Additionally, America is involved in many military conflicts especially with Islamic nations, which puts it a significant risk of external attacks. If this trend continues, then there is the likelihood that China will be the next superpower.
Bibliography
Cole, Joshua and Carol Symes. Western Civilizations: Their History and Their Culture. New York: W.W.Norton & Company 2017.
1 Joshua Cole, and Carol Symes, Western Civilizations: Their History and Their Culture , [New York: W.W.Norton & Company, 2017], 268.
2 Joshua Cole, and Carol Symes, Western Civilizations: Their History and Their Culture , [New York: W.W.Norton & Company, 2017], 367.
3 Ibid, 139
4 Ibid, 267
