The End of Pax Americana

“If you’ve been thinking it seems like there are more wars raging in the world…you’re right and the data proves it.” This statement from Kate Bartlett of NPR confirms a suspicion that you’ve likely had if you watch world news—that the world is becoming less stable, less peaceful, less safe. The question is...why? History can be an extraordinary teacher. At the height of its power, Rome controlled approximately 5 million square kilometres of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Nearly 25% of the world’s population lived within its borders, and its influence reached even further.  Historians often use the phrase Pax Romana to refer to a period of relative peace that brought about an explosion in literature, culture and technology. This historical precedent has a clear modern parallel as we are now witness to the end of the Pax Americana.