Why do we desire empire?

The definition of empire, regardless of the type of empire, is that it is run by one person.

With that in mind, I just don’t get the desire to move towards empire. Now, let’s be honest, no one is out there saying they want an empire. But people say it without using words. Why is there a push for more authoritarian systems? They are a form of empire with one person in charge and making the decisions.

Why are people drawn to this?

Is it because we think we’ll benefit some how from an empire and it’s way of operating?

Really? How we not seen how empires work? Have we not read about them in history? There’s usually some folks who kind of benefit from an empire — at least on the surface. But in reality, no one does. Everyone is controlled by the empire and the person in charge. Absolute power corrupts absolutely according to Lord Acton. He wasn’t wrong. When one has absolute authority they come to think of themselves as a god who can do whatever they want to whomever they want. And that includes discarding people who have been loyal if they want to just to make a point. Loyalty doesn’t even protect a person in an empire.

That’s because empires all operate on the same basic set of values — the ends justify the means, the strong survive, and might makes right. It’s why everyone dreams of deposing the emperor too — so they can be the top dog with all the power. Except there isn’t any real power in an empire. There is constant fear. Fear of being deposed. Fear of attack…