Hegemonic Peace and Empire: The Pax Romana, Britannica and Americana (War, History and Politics)

This book analyses the concept of `pax' in three incarnations: Pax Romana, Pax Britannica and Pax Americana. The aim, as set out by the author, is to examine each pax from a conceptual and ideological perspective, and then to measure these findings against the reality of the prevailing hegemonic order. The Roman and British empires are studied through the contours of war and peace. However, the book is primarily concerned with the progression of the pax concept: specifically how successfully Rome, Britain and the US have in turn used and exploited its language and ideology to define and justify their foreign policies.This is an ambitious and scholarly book: as the first in-depth study of `pax', it approaches empire/hegemony from an original perspective and successfully engages with the subject on many levels; most notably combining sound historical analysis with an appreciation for international relations theory. The scope of the book is impressive, as is the author's wide reading of both original sources and secondary works. The tone is objective and non-judgemental on issues ranging from Roman terrorisation of barbarian tribes to American Neoconservative ideology and the Iraq War.Two criticisms can be levelled at the book: while the chapter on the United States deals effectively with the concept of Pax Americana, it provides only a sketchy outline of its reality on the ground. Overall Pax Americana does not receive the same in-depth scrutiny that is accorded to the Roman and British orders. The book is also sold short by its `Conclusion', as it doesn't draw out the overarching ideas raised in the body of work.