In recent years several important books have argued that the United States of America, china, Russia and even the European Union look, talkm and walk like empires. However, these books have failed to impress those working in the field of international relations. For some, the westphalian state is still the major unit of analysis. Other prefer to use the terms great powers or hegemony.This research note will, first, try to assess the added value that the concept of empire brings to the study of international relations. The second aim is to establish how best to study contemporary empires. Which actors can be classified as empires? should one focus on imperial structure, mission or behavior? the third objective is to seek ways of identifying patterns of cooperation and competitiion among empires. Can the contemporary manifestations of empire co/exist without major conflict?

BIBLIOTECA NOVEDADES 2012/5