Our American "Empire" with Niall Ferguson - on ThoughtCast

[umjackd]

In his books, Niall makes a solid case that America's allergy to the word "Empire" is what stifles their global goals. In being so keen to fire missiles, hold elections, and leave, they undermine their own objectives.

He cites examples of long term American commitment: Japan, West Germany, South Korea, where the US stayed because of the Cold War, and see their successes.

Compare this to where they left in a hurry: Vietnam, the Philippines, and so on, and you see where this is going.

[fargonbastedge]

@umjackd America is an empire, but I dont think its imperialistic. I think were keen to call ourselves an "empire" because well... hell... I guess i dont know lol

[Phead128]

Never seen or heard an empire that appeared out of nowhere and died out from the peak height so quickly as the USA. When people look back, it was after all built on illegally appropriated land sowed by slaves. Could have predicted it.

[trangvy1012]

He is so sexy, indeed, bloody sexy with the enthusiastic arrogance of an intellectual at Havard. And his lustful accent even makes matter worse.

[neorich59]

What's he got right?

His hairstyle, finally.

Well, going by his appearance on Question Time last night he looked great and I've really enjoyed his recent T.V. series in the UK "Is The West History," not just because, I find his views interesting and he's not afraid to say what he actually thinks, disagree with it, though I do, but because, he's just so bloody sexy!

;O)

Well, beats the shite out of David Starkey, in that department and he doesn't spout such reactionary tripe into the bargain!

[Berzerkerevl]

obviously we're an empire. i can't believe people are still believing that we police the world out of the good of our hearts.

[slayyyyn]

america is an empire and the political elite know deep down they are an empire. they obviously jus pretend there not so that there will b less resistance to them then wot it wud hve been if they did admit there an empire and wen they police the world its nt an empirial excercise.

[Baledwyr]

Ferguson is such a brilliant man.

[TheHampdenRaven]

I see it, yet it is hidden to most people. The British American Empire, Its kinda like the phone company's in. America at one time. The states was at one time under the British rule. Then one day we revolted and the revolution 1812. But now almost 200 years later we are back in line with our mother country, being taxed hell once again just by our own local government. We are controlled by the same elite world bankers. The conflict we are having is because, its bat but its profitable, like always

[italianocantu]

America, if you believe you have the right to police the world, then you must be an empire, -quack, quack.

--Harvard Alumni -'07 Harvardiana

[bawcoxvamp]

i love sexy intelligent british men. . . also, um yeah . . . fascinating content

[tigerfedor]

got a boyfreind? lol

[jenattiyeh]

what is it you think he got right? just curious...

[imangrynow]

America much as i have great respect for its people is an Empire, he's right, i just disagree with most things he says which are remotely political so i'm a little suprised!

[imangrynow]

V true weird than someone so horribly right wing would be the guy to hit the nail on the head... he is incredibly smart though!