The decline of British power in Asia, from a high point in 1905, when Britain’s ally Japan vanquished the Russian Empire, apparently reducing the perceived threat that Russia posed to its influence in India and China, to the end of the twentieth century, when British power had dwindled to virtually nothing, is one of the most important themes in understanding the modern history of East and Southeast Asia. This book considers a range of issues that illustrate the significance and influence of the British Empire in Asia and the nature of Britain’s imperial decline. Subjects covered include the challenges posed by Germany and Japan during the First World War, British efforts at international co-operation in the interwar period, the British relationship with Korea and Japan in the wake of the Second World War, and the complicated path of decolonisation in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Chapter 3 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF at http://www.taylorfrancis.com under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.

A sweeping history of the United States through the lens of empire—and an incisive look forward as the nation retreats from the global stage A respected authority on international relations and foreign policy, Victor Bulmer-Thomas offers a grand survey of the United States as an empire. From its territorial expansion after independence, through hegemonic rule following World War II, to the nation’s current imperial retreat, the United States has had an uneasy relationship with the idea of itself as an empire. In this book Bulmer-Thomas offers three definitions of empire—territorial, informal, and institutional—that help to explain the nation’s past and forecast a future in which the United States will cease to play an imperial role. Arguing that the move toward diminished geopolitical dominance reflects the aspirations of most U.S. citizens, he asserts that imperial retreat does not necessarily mean national decline and may ultimately strengthen the nation-state. At this pivotal juncture in American history, Bulmer-Thomas’s uniquely global perspective will be widely read and discussed across a range of fields.

In 1945, Britain emerged as one of the 'Big Three' victors of the Second World War. Most people, in Britain and elsewhere, seem to have assumed that the British Empire would endure for a very long time to come. Yet within twenty years British power and influence had been enormously reduced. This book studies the causes and course of the process.

This study uses the private papers of Glubb Pasha to rethink the end of Britain's imperial presence in the Middle East.

Edward Gibbon's 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' is a monumental work that spans six volumes, chronicling the collapse of one of the most powerful empires in history. Gibbon's writing style is both eloquent and meticulous, providing readers with a comprehensive account of the political, social, and cultural factors that led to Rome's decline. The book is a masterpiece of historical analysis, blending scholarly research with engaging narrative that keeps readers captivated throughout. Gibbon's work is considered a classic in the field of History, shaping the way we understand the rise and fall of civilizations. Edward Gibbon, a renowned historian and member of the British Parliament, was inspired to write this magnum opus after extensive travels throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. His firsthand encounters with ancient Roman ruins fueled his fascination with the empire's history and eventual demise. Gibbon's meticulous research and attention to detail have made 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' a timeless masterpiece that continues to be studied and revered by scholars and history enthusiasts alike. I highly recommend Gibbon's 'The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' to readers interested in delving into the complexities of Roman history and the broader themes of empire, power, and decline. This magisterial work provides a thorough and compelling narrative of one of the most pivotal periods in Western civilization, making it a must-read for anyone passionate about history and its lasting impact on society.

In 1949, Ireland left the Commonwealth and the British Empire began its long fragmentation. The relationship between the new Republic of Ireland and Britain was a complex one however, and the traditional assumption that the Republic would universally support self-determination overseas and object to 'imperialism' does not hold up to historical scrutiny. In reality, for economic and geopolitical reasons, the Republic of Ireland played an important role in supporting the Empire- demonstrated clearly in Ireland's active involvement in the Cyprus Emergency of the 1950s. As Helen O'Shea reveals, while the IRA formed immediate links with EOKA and the Cypriot rebels, the Irish government and the Irish Church supported the British line- which was to retain Cyprus as the Middle-Eastern base of the British Empire following the loss of Egypt. Ireland and the End of the British Empire challenges the received historiography of the period and constitutes a valuable addition to our understanding of Ireland and the British Empire.