Many historians including Vegetius, Gibbon and A. Ferril have theorized that a great factor in the demise of the Roman Empire was the "barbarisation" of its armies, meaning the outsourcing of the military and thereby the loss of civic virtue.
Currently we see the gradual privatization and outsourcing of the American military. Is that a harbringer of the decline of the American Empire?
Please be not sarcastic or smart allecky. This question is placed in earnest to elicit educated, learned opinions
2007-10-26 21:57:44 · 3 answers · asked by emiliosailez 6 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Max, as you will notice, were you to read my question again, I have asserted nothing. I am merely posing a question.
2007-10-27 00:16:40 · update #1
On a broader scope, are we nationalizing our expenses but privatizing the profits?
2007-10-27 00:19:45 · update #2
Hmm. Little parallels. In today's world when a major power or "superpower" declines, it doesnt just collapse or die suddenly. Economic and political reasons keep it relevant. If America were to decline it'd be a gradual decline in potency, not one huge collaspse if you really believe America is collapsing. I believe the large American population will keep it from collapsing fully.
2007-10-27 01:55:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After Rome split into two and the loss of N. Africa to the Vandals, the Western empire did not have the resources to maintain a standing army in the field to defend against the barbarian invasions.
We're not ready to split into two, the nukes keep us ahead of the 'super power' pack and negate any deficiencies in military, altho i don't see any foreign army close to equaling ours.
So, no, i don't see any parallels....but that's just my opinion.
2007-10-27 05:51:30 · answer #2 · answered by Its not me Its u 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
American Empire... What American Empire?
2007-10-27 11:30:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋