Imperial overstretch

Imperial overstretch (English: imperial overstretch ) is a concept of state theory and describes the tendency of powerful states with large geographical sphere of influence to use their material and human resources at the same time at a variety of locations and to overwhelm their forces with it. An imperial overstretch can indicate the incipient decline of an empire. The theory is founded by Paul Kennedy in his book The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers .

Current use

A current example of the use of the term imperial overstretch is the US's current problems . The use in several theaters of war (e.g. in Afghanistan ) at the same time, as well as the regularly recurring devastation of hurricanes in the southern states, exceed the resources of this great power.

Web links

• Jens von Scherpenberg: Imperial overextension? The US and the rising costs of the "war on terror". (PDF; 111 kB) In: swp-berlin.org. September 2003 .