The transformation from Roman republic to Roman empire was mainly about how the top-level government is organized. It was not about the relations with vassals/periphery. The Roman republic was as imperialistic as empire in this regard. In fact, most of the Roman conquering was already done when the republic ended.
Yes — the Roman Empire was in a period of retreat and reformation when it formed.
That’s my point:
The US has neither entered an empire nor the decline post-empire because it gained territorial holdings over the past century — that’s consistent with late stage republics as well.
Comments
The transformation from Roman republic to Roman empire was mainly about how the top-level government is organized. It was not about the relations with vassals/periphery. The Roman republic was as imperialistic as empire in this regard. In fact, most of the Roman conquering was already done when the republic ended.
Yes — the Roman Empire was in a period of retreat and reformation when it formed.
That’s my point:
The US has neither entered an empire nor the decline post-empire because it gained territorial holdings over the past century — that’s consistent with late stage republics as well.