Putin’s decision to restore Orthodoxy to its old public role was a shrewd one, whatever his personal religious feelings. The Russian empire had collapsed, but its outlines could still be seen in the Russian Orthodox religious sphere, which extended beyond Russia’s borders and as far afield as Mount Athos and even Jerusalem. For a ruler seeking to revive his country’s lost status, the Church was a superb way to spread propaganda and influence.

This Vast Southern Empire explores the international vision and strategic operations of these southerners at the commanding heights of American politics.

rses often have some health issues, like arthritis, and can’t spend hours on the trip and keep up with speed. It is the same with re

In treating each empire, it asks three questions fundamental to understanding any empire in any era: First, how and why did this empire come into being? Was it the creation of one man’s genius and leadership, or did it arise out of broader forces? What is the story of its emergence? What opposition did it face, and how did it overcome that opposition? Second, how was this empire governed and defended? What was the relationship between its rulers and their subjects? How was it taxed? How was its army organized, equipped, and commanded? What threats did it face, and how did it confront them? And third, how and why did this empire fall? Was its decline sudden or prolonged? What factors led to its decline and fall? Did it fall due to internal decay, outside attack, or both? And how did the story of its collapse unfold?

Government bodies also tend to be more limited in their capacity to expand if successful, and are usually protected from failure if they perform poorly.