School of War Ep 160: Thomas Barfield on Empire and Imperial Strategies Today
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Nov 26, 2024 Thomas Barfield, a renowned anthropologist and author, shares his insights on imperial strategies and the historical dynamics of empires. He discusses the complexities of Afghan politics and the clash between American assumptions and local realities. Barfield examines the governance structures of different empires, highlighting their unique approaches to authority. He also explores the evolution of imperial strategies, the impact of nostalgia on political power, and how America's maritime legacy shapes current global dynamics, particularly in relation to China.
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Endogenous Empires
- Thomas Barfield's "endogenous empires" arise organically and sustain themselves internally.
- These empires, like China, Persia, and Rome, differ in governance, exemplified by the "Swiss cheese" (delegated authority) vs. "American cheese" (centralized control) models.
Afghan Governance
- The American experience in Afghanistan reveals a flawed assumption of universal "American cheese" governance.
- A crime near the Afghan-Pakistan border illustrates the clash between American expectations of state intervention and Afghanistan's historical statelessness.
Exogenous Empires
- "Exogenous empires" arise from interactions with other empires, often due to military challenges.
- They rely on external resources rather than direct taxation or internal production.