By complete coincidence I was pointed to a fascinating interview of Yale Law Professor Amy Chua on the topic of her book Day of Empire: How Hyperpowers Rise to Global Dominance–and Why They Fall. It runs about 55 minutes:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QenLlFx4cCQ&rel=1&w=425&h=355]
If this topic piques your interest, it’s well worth your time. I’ve got to get a copy of her book.