As the eyes of the world remain firmly on the United States, a lecture will be held this week examining the American empire and the implications of that for the rest of the world.
As the eyes of the world remain firmly on the United States, a lecture will be held this week (Wednesday 8th October) examining the American empire and the implications of that for the rest of the world. 


One of Australia's leading experts on the US, UNSW Scientia Professor of History Ian Tyrrell, will discuss American engagement with the wider world in the context of the nature of American empire, the curious amnesia over that empire, and how American empire has changed over time. 


"I don't believe the US is going to collapse as a force within the world as a result of the meltdown of the global economy," says Professor Tyrrell. 


"Rome wasn't built in a day, but it wasn't destroyed in a day either. It is crazy to think it is going to fold overnight." he says.
"While the US may already be in decline, it will be a slow, uneven decline." 


Professor Tyrrell says while the US never had much of a formal political empire, an informal empire has been operating for at least a century.
The lecture is part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences' So, What? Public Lecture Series.
What: American Empire, Past, Present and Future: The Uses of History 
When: 6pm for 6.30 start, Wednesday 8th October Where: Tyree Room, John Niland Scientia Building, UNSW
Those planning to attend the event should contact Ebony Preen | 9385 8511 | so.what@unsw.edu.au