Will the great powers learn from their historical mistakes?
Prof. Peter P. Groumpos, Emeritus Professor, University of Patras, Greece.
The history of humanity is, to a large extent, the history of the rise and primary fall of empires. From antiquity to the modern era, powerful states have sought to extend their dominion beyond their natural borders, imposing their power upon other peoples. Empires were born from wars, conquests, and political ambitions, yet almost all met the same fate: decline and, ultimately, dissolution.
Today, despite the various forms of power characterizing the modern world, there is no shortage of voices dreaming of the revival of old empires. Whether born of historical nostalgia or political strategy, the idea of returning to glorious eras captivates certain leaders and societies. Yet, this dream proves to be not only unattainable but also dangerous. It is a delusory dream!
Empires of the past were built on conquest, the subjugation of other peoples, and the projection of power. Their expansion was accompanied by wars, looting, massacres, the rape of women, the destruction of civilizations, and massive loss of human life. Some historians believe that certain empires left behind a significant cultural and administrative legacy; however, this cannot be divorced from the heavy price paid and the devastation suffered by millions of people.
History proves that no empire has ever been eternal. The Roman Empire, the Byzantine/Eastern Roman Empire, the Ottoman, the British, the Spanish, and so many others—however powerful they may have been—eventually collapsed. The reasons varied: economic exhaustion, internal conflicts, social inequalities, administrative corruption, technological changes, and the rise of new powers. Their collapse serves as a reminder that the excessive concentration of power inevitably triggers reactions and leads to weakening.
In the 21st century, conditions are radically different. International law, international organizations, economic interdependence, and technology make the creation (or revival) of classical empires extremely difficult. Power is no longer measured solely by armies and territory, but also by the economy, innovation, science, technology, and cultural influence—provided the empire possesses a traditional and long-standing culture of its own.
Nevertheless, certain major powers continue to seek to expand their influence. These ambitions manifest themselves variously through military interventions, economic dependence, energy policy, or technological control. Although these forms differ from traditional empires, the logic of domination persists. However, international reaction, global awareness, and the growing importance of national sovereignty make it increasingly difficult to impose a permanent imperial order.
The revival of empires also represents an ideological dead end. Modern societies are founded—at least in principle—on the self-determination of peoples, freedom, human rights, and democratic legitimacy. A return to models based on conquest and imposition would inevitably lead to conflict, regional instability, and international isolation.
History never repeats itself in the same way. Those who attempt to revive imperial visions usually overlook the fact that the conditions which enabled the creation of great empires no longer exist. Technology, globalization, and the heightened political consciousness of peoples have radically altered the international landscape.
The true lesson of history is not the pursuit of a new empire, but the avoidance of the mistakes that led to the catastrophes of the past. Peaceful cooperation, respect for state sovereignty, dialogue, and development constitute far more stable foundations for international security than any imperial vision.
The revival of empires—whether presented as a return to lost glory or as a necessary geopolitical strategy—remains an illusory dream. History has shown that every empire, no matter how powerful it once appeared, eventually came to an end. Humanity’s future lies not in the revival of imperial ambitions, but in building a world where power serves cooperation rather than domination, and peace rather than conquest.
How much longer will the major powers remain beyond reproach—powers that, through their interventions, colonial policies, and economic exploitation, played a decisive role in shaping today’s global crises? When will they undertake an honest assessment of their historical responsibilities and the tragic errors that drove millions of people into poverty, displacement, and war?
And, above all, when will the international community demand that those who grew rich over centuries by exploiting other people accept responsibility—even in the form of reparations, where justified? Perhaps only then will a clear message be sent that impunity has limits and that there is no longer any room for leaders who, disregarding international law and human life, seek to resurrect empires of the past, driving humanity into new conflicts.
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