Originally Posted by Doppleganger

An empire can be termed to be successful if its influence stands the test of time.

But there is a question how long empire should exist to be considered as `stood the test of time`? And we return to time factor, which You recommended to disregard in the same post.

I'm afraid there is no such criteria for estimation of success of empires. Time, influence, power - they all are relative parameters, can be viewed only in comparison with other powers or certain age.

Other important point is that any empire eventually falls. Because of self-exhausting, or being challenged out by other, newer and more vital powers.

Originally Posted by Doppleganger

Very quickly, I would define the following examples of successful and unsuccessful empires:

Successful Empires:

Current USA (for now)
Macedonian Empire
Roman Empire
British Empire

Unsuccessful Empires:

German 3rd Reich
Russian Empire
Aztec Empire

I'm not sure, can we Macedonian Empire call `successful`. In terms of conquest - yes, it is so, but in terms of management of territories conquered? I'm afraid no, so I won't call this empire `successful`. Macedonian Empire rather can be great example for successful conquests.

What comes to Russian Empire, it has been in its heights only in era of USSR. Before USSR was established Russia did posses large territories but had no significant influence in international or even regional level as well as potential for growth. It also was poorly managed and eventually came to revolution with loss both of territories and power - newly formed USSR in beginning was even less influential than tsarist Russia was. Only with draconic work and drastic regime as well as human lives USSR (which consisted mostly from Russia) gained its status of Empire after the WW2. Was unable to keep it in long terms and finally collapsed. Now again influence of Russia is growing, so Russia rather looks like something pulsating to me.

China............Now that used to be series of small States which were over come a long time ago and forged into one country

unfortunately ever great empire comes to an end.

Take India for instance, that used to be like Europe which was a series of Independent warring countries, which was unified by the British and has turned into the largest democratic country in the world

Roman Empire was strange. Started by a small group of farmers. Spent 400 years in Britain. They grasped at Christianity to extend their grip, and to a degree they maintained power through the Church 'til now. That's without even counting the Mafia!

I love Italy - everything creative in Europe stemmed from there. Even cordon -bleu!

OK. OK. Hit me. Everybody must get stoned.

Originally Posted by LeEnfield

Take India for instance, that used to be like Europe which was a series of Independent warring countries, which was unified by the British and has turned into the largest democratic country in the world

Thats if we ignore the split of Pakistan / Bangladesh and in particular the troubles over Kashmir. There is probably less serious violence between European countries nowadays than the former provinces and peoples of India.

Originally Posted by perseus

Thats if we ignore the split of Pakistan / Bangladesh and in particular the troubles over Kashmir. There is probably less serious violence between European countries nowadays than the former provinces and peoples of India.

But the only problem India has is the Muslim - Hindu divide, that was there before Britain and is there today. In fact, to a degree, wherever large Muslim communities are to be found. The same could be said of the Middle East, where, as MMarsh has pointed out, Sadam was the buffer keeping combatants apart. Kosovo, Bosnia. Asia.