In this Season 08, Episode 05 of CSS Breakdown: Book by Book, we delve into Chapter 5, 'Empire,' from International History and International Relations by Andrew J. Williams, Amelia Hadfield, and J. Simon Rofe. This episode moves beyond casual uses of the term 'empire' to explore its profound implications in International Relations. We'll unpack how the concept of empire has been defined and re-evaluated over time, examining its often-contradictory legacies of multiracialism and religious tolerance versus condemnation and war. Listeners will journey through various historical empires, from the Greek and Roman to the Mongol, British, Russian-Soviet, and the intriguing debate surrounding the American 'empire'. We explore core themes like the interplay of power and ideas, how empires create the notion of the 'other,' and the recurring question of why empires decline and collapse. Join us as we consider if empire, despite its complex history, offers alternative insights into global order and political life.