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This article discusses the historical background & content of Lenin's work on imperialism as the most evolved form of capitalism. This work, originally published in 1916, has captured renewed attention because of events on the international socio-economic stage. Lenin's distinction between capitalistic imperialism & military imperialism became a determining factor in the self-understanding of Marxists throughout the world, particularly in under-developed regions. In addition, this distinction also became a pivotal factor in Russian understanding of the revolution as a truly social revolution, thereby acting as a critical instrument in the country's understanding of its own history. Lenin's thinking is here also considered from a contemporary standpoint in which capitalism exists on a global scale. His view that social & political life in any given place would become increasingly dependent on what developments took place elsewhere is thereby suggested to be well ahead of its time in this respect. C Brunski

The article presents the argument that imperialism and nationalism are not necessarily contradictions. The article argues that empires are more than administrative entities without a collective identity and the Spanish Empire's legitimacy based on exporting its national identity to all parts of the empire is used as an example. Other empires were also based on a collective identity and promoted this identity to legitimize colonial and imperial expansion. The article states that religion was the imperial ethos for the Spanish empire in the late 15th and 16th century. The relationship between church and state underwent significant changes that resulted in a religious basis for political units collective identity, empires and/or states. A brief historical review of the Spanish Empire is presented. The relationship between empire, state, and nationalism is discussed. The role of religion in colonial expansion is explored. This article is one in a series of articles on the topic of empires. References. E. Sundby

This article explores the idea of the impact of the "linguistic turn", which is the idea that language constitutes reality. The concept of empire is discussed. The relevance of the historical perspective of the concept of empires in current discussions of empires and imperialism is explored. The article argues that the return of empires and imperialism may not be a political reality, but rather a linguistic development as the empires and imperialism return as a concept of analysis. The article states that the reintroduction and use of the concept of empires marks a rhetorical step with potentially significant rhetorical effects. Andrew Bacevich's (2003) and David Rieff's (1999) contributions to the concept of empires as a linguistic innovation and level of analysis are discussed. This article is one in a series of articles on the topic of empires. References. E. Sundby

The rise and fall of French Empires throughout a period of 400 years are outlined. Two central and parallel concepts in French political discourse, "grandeur" and "decadence", are used to analyze the French Empire. The article starts by commenting on the rise of the empire, including its geographical reach and direct and indirect political structures and systems. The French imperial policy of assimilation of colonies is examined as a political function to legitimize imperialism as a "mission civilisatrice"; to bring French civilization and liberty to the colonies. The article argues that French imperial rhetoric and propaganda to colonial populations were influenced by social Darwinism, racism, and military interests to display superiority of the French Empire. The article comments on the use of instruction and education in colonial administration and colonial history to maintain and develop the Empire once established. The article discusses the fall and decolonization of the French Empire, and concludes with lessons learned from the empire that applies to modern day France, including French exceptionalism. This article is one in a series of articles on the topic of empires. References. E. Sundby

This article provides an outline of the history of the American Empire's rise and transformations. The analysis examines the political situation in America around 1800 when the country was established as a republic at a time when international imperialism was prevalent with still powerful British, French, and Spanish empires. The article argues that the territorial expansion within the North American continent was conducted within the realms of imperial ideology, although, unlike other empires, once included in the empire each state became an equal participant in the central authority. The article poses a new type of empire that have emerged in America following the second world war; an American Empire based on international alliances for the purpose of international and national security based on voluntary participation, although subject to economic support or sanction. The article suggests that the war on terrorism has brought power politics and alliances that mirror classic imperial ideals, with an increase in military presence to enforce imperial alliances. The author concludes that based on the problems experienced with imperialistic use of power in Afghanistan and Iraq it is unlikely that the U.S. is establishing a new classical empire. This article is one in a series of articles on the topic of empires. References. E. Sundby