Jon Amsden

When Empires Fail Jon Amsden

When Empires Fail presents western empires back to Cyrus II of Persia in terms of the thermodynamic signature of society in each case. In other words, five ways in which human civilizations, in their imperial development, have used energy are considered, these being: muscle power, wind and water power, steam power, internal combustion. and now nuclear power. The last empire to be analyzed is the American one which is presently stressing its resources to remain in the fossil fuel combustion stage of thermodynamic development. Powerful leaders described for each age include: Caesar Augustus, Ibn al Sinna, James Watt, and Henry Ford. The final chapters on the present world empire also contain a review of the several alternate energy sources that may point the way towards a more peaceful future for the human race.