In the Twilight of Empire: America’s past performance is no guarantee of a future

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2. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of the basics.

The first lesson for empires in decline -- as proven time, and time again, from the Romans to the Russians -- is not to further overextend themselves by risky military adventures.

The second is to cut off overly-demanding, costly alliances and far-flung possessions and colonies that do not pay for themselves.

The third is to avoid relationships built upon dependency upon foreign powers and external debt.

The fourth, and perhaps most important to avoid collapse at the center, is to never allow a colony to exert control over decisions that potentially impact the survival of both.