Are we the next Roman Empire? part 1

The second problem-based learning scenario presents some interesting concepts in an almost conspirical manner. Though the scenario itself is fictional, it does pose some interesting questions: is the U.S. the next Roman Empire? Are we destined to follow their decline? Though it is impossible to say yes or no definitively, consider the circumstances of the gradual collapse of the Roman Empire.

At the peak of Roman power the empire was vast, stretching from the British Isles into northern Africa. The Roman legions were massively overextended, stretched too thin to be effective in protecting any of the empire from outside attackers. The previoius pax romana had eroded the morals and ethics that had once held society together. Corruption crippled the political machine as emperors like Nero and Caligula wasted federal money on lavish parties for the upper class. Ruling power was shuffled between the army, the Senate, the Praetorian Guard (the emperor's private army), and a slew of emperors, often going to the highest bidder. With the upper ranks in chaos, Roman society collapsed. High unemployment led to an increase in crime and a lack of general order across the empire, allowing the indigenous tribes to force the disorganized legions back and eventually leading to the sack of the city of Rome. Its capital gone, the Roman Empire split in half, gradually fading into ruin, unable to protect itself as Eastern invaders rode unchecked across its lands.

Of course, the United States isn't the Roman Empire by a long stretch, but there are some interesting parallels to be found. First off, the Roman army was incredibly overextended, occupying territory thousands of miles from Rome. Naturally, the cost of maintaining that army was massive, and it drained the Roman treasury. Sound familiar? If not, consider that the United States has troops stationed in Africa, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and all across Europe and the Middle East. While we may not be feeling the effects economically, also keep in mind that America has not paid soldiers to protect American soil since the War of 1812 - every military venture since then has been fighting in foreign lands.