Expert: Maria - 10/27/2007

Question
Hi Maria.  During our lunch conversation at work last week the topic turned to history along with the present state of our country.  A colleague mentioned we are presently in "Stage 4" of the 7 stages of empire.  Evidently, this is a theory put forth by an historian my colleague had read about years ago.  He couldn't remember who it was that came up with it.  I've spent a couple hours doin' a google search but have been unsuccessful.  Have you heard of this?  Do you know any more?

Answer
Hi Jim,

What empire are you referring to?
I’m sorry, but I‘ve never heard of an hypothetic "Stage 4" of the 7 stages of empire, unless your friend referred to a game written in the late 70s/early 80s by Peter Langston.
See at:
http://members.chello.at/theodor.lauppert/games/empire.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_Classic_(computer_game)

In this case, it's obvious that any statement about the so-called seven stages of empire are absolutely groundless as they are merely part of a game!!

On the other hand no historical empire has had 7 stages, indeed!

Best,
Maria