Great powers rise and fall. But when their power wanes, as Britain’s did in the early 20th century and the U.S. is arguably waning now, who shoulders the costs of their decline? Is it elites or those on the bottom? Sociologist Richard Lachmann, who died in September, discusses what the past can tell us about the future of empires and hegemons. (Encore presentation.)

Resources:

Richard Lachmann, First-Class Passengers on a Sinking Ship: Elite Politics and the Decline of Great Powers Verso, 2020

photo: Pixabay

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