The Grand Chessboard

Rome’s imperial power, however, was also derived from an important psychological reality. Civis Romanus sum—“I am a Roman citizen”—was the highest possible self-definition, a source of pride, and an aspiration for many.

America was simply much richer, technologically much more advanced, militarily more resilient and innovative, socially more creative and appealing.

This remarkable economic dynamism was fostered by a culture that favored experimentation and innovation.

Eurasia is the center of the world and that he who controls Eurasia controls the world.

America’s two most important allies on the western and eastern peripheries of the Eurasian continent, Germany and Japan, both recovered their economic health in the context of almost unbridled admiration for all things American. America was widely perceived as representing the future, as a society worthy of admiration and deserving of emulation.

In contrast, Russia was held in cultural contempt by most of its Central European vassals and even more so by its principal and increasingly assertive eastern ally, China.