AboutJoseph Logue Expertise I am knowledgeable about English history from about 1400 to 1688, and then from the reign of Victoria (after 1837). I have a particular interest in the monarchy and dynastic relations of Europe from 1800 onwards.
I cannot answer questions regarding the latter Stuarts, the early Hanovers, and the politics of the 18th century.
Experience Undergraduate degree in British history.
Lifelong interest, and over 25 years of personal study.
Oxford University: History of the British Monarchy
Education/Credentials BA/History MS/Library and Information Science Awards and Honors Graduated with distinction from the Program for European Studies (UMass Boston).
Awards and Honors Graduated with distinction from the Program for European Studies (UMass Boston).
Question Hi Joseph. 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 Hello Jim,
"Seven Stages" is a popular configuration. It is used to mark the progressive stages of grief (denial, anger. . . etc.), and even life (infancy, toddler. . . etc.).
Frankly, the only reference I found was from Webdailyplanet.com, which outlines the stages thus:
* Sounding the Alarm
* Trumpeting the Cause
* Marching off to War
* Freedom and Democracy
* Blood and Tears
* Fear and Loathing
* Choppers on the Roof
There is no attribution as to whom first promulgated these points, nor does it explain them in any detail (though the 7th is a stark reminder to those of us who remember Saigon in 1975 or Bucharest in 1989). According to your friend we are in the Freedom and Democracy stage, principles to which President Bush keeps referring. Your colleague may be on to something. Accordingly, I would put the following three steps as: when we are tired of wasting our resources (especially young men and women) to maintain our imperial standing; when we become afraid for our own safety and begin blaming the Iraqis for dragging us down with them; and finally, the complete chaotic evacuation of the area when the situation becomes untenable.
Jim, I am not normally so political, but the subject somewhat demands that I take a position. I will continue to try to find the author of these stages and will write back if I am successful.
