This essay both advocates and presents the research agenda for an interdisciplinary approach to a social science of empire, using, as its springboard, the review of four new books offered by three US publishers, linked in an endeavor called the “American Empire Project.” It begins with a historic look at gaps and politicization in the study of empire. The piece then presents a research agenda that would comprise the social science study of empire, with review of work to date that remains in its infancy in largely unconnected research across several disciplines. The review also examines the approach of the four works, noting their contributions within limited confines of historical time frame, case study methodology, author ideologies, and disciplinary focus.
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