Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the Roman Empire?

Question: Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the Roman Empire!?
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

First of all Vico's cyclical theory of history only works when looking backwards!. There is too much unknown about current events to draw accurate parallels!. The cyclical theory also states that different civilizations will have similar experiences not the same experience so no one is doomed to anything!. On top of it all, Vico's theories on history are no longer mainstream (and haven't been for decades)!.

That being said, absolutely not!. The Roman Empire fell because of gross inequities between citizens and non-citizens, rampant corruption, and a dysfunctional political system!. In American history you can find numerous examples where has responded to forces of change and adapted to new circumstances (Astor Bread Riots, the mass labor unrest of 1877, the Progressive Era, the Great Depression, Civil Rights Movement, etc)!. As new challenges present themselves, the American people and their government will respond and continue to thrive!. The US may not be the most dominant nation in the world but it will continue to be very influential, at least until their is a global paradigm shift - major war, the growth of the UN or other multi-nation 'national identity' etc!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

it depends what you mean:

1!. overextending our reaches, thereby weakening the empire!?

CHECK!.

2!. Using a empirialist attitude with all other countries, and basically strong-arming our way around!?

CHECK!.

3!. Having what seems at times, a corrupt government!?

CHECK!.

!.!.!.The only thing that helps us!.!. is that we are separated by an ocean from everyone!.!.!.!.so strategically we are faring well, cuz we can do whatever we want, as we are sitting on our own little "island" from the rest of the western world!.

!.!.!.the only way that Europe could get back at us is financially, and they are!.!.!.have you looked at the value of the dollar!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Besides JC's answer, and your own addendum, don't forget that as Rome declined, it relied more ans more on the use of mercenaries!. Look at Iraq/Afghanistan and our use of "private contractors" (mercenaries) and see another parallel!.

The more things change!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There's a phrase, 'everything that goes up, must come down', and so the same is true with countries and empires!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I hrar at the White House they have orgies with grapes and everything!Www@QuestionHome@Com

depends what mistakes are we talking about!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Who's we!? France, China, Britain, Australia!? The human race!? Who!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

All nations that rise will come down!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

yes, we are!.Www@QuestionHome@Com