Abstract
Veni, vidi, vici...[I came, I saw, I conquered): this quote from one of the most famous Roman generals Julius Caesar, reflects the principle of "empires? which has emerged as a major phenomenon in international relations. The phenomenon dates back as far as 2334 BC when it was born with the reign of Sargon of Akkad, and progressively led to the modern globalized world. Etymologically, the term 'empire' is derived from the Latin ?imperare' meaning 'supreme rule or absolute power'. However, although the primary aim of an Empire is to gain power, it always aspires to something greater. The objective is to establish a new international order under its control and reflecting its values, which may sometimes prove beneficial for their acquired territories. In this paper we will study if each age is doomed (or blessed?) with the existence of at least one major imperial power. As the foundations of power evolve, so does the nature of the Imperial powers. Our study of empires will focus on three main sets of Imperial powers: the pre-modern empires, the modern empires and finally post-modern empires. We will argue that although each era saw the rise of a major Imperial power, and sometimes benefited from its presence, the implementation of power by definition implies the subjugation of other peoples. Most empires attempt to legitimize their domination, but the basis of territorial expansion remains the attack on the fundamental right to freedom and self-determination.
