World Domination

[Bazile]

There have been a few people / empires , that's sought world domination , in past history .

The Romans / Genghis Khan / Napolean / Hitler
Thankfully , all failed .

Is the Human Race now free from such Individuals ?

Is World Domination currently , a feasabile aspiration for any Tyrants , given that we now have nuclear weapons that could easily suff out any such nations ; if that was the last option ?

[jason.p]

World domination has been achieved by multinational companies.

[Bazile]

Mind you the British , did have a go at WD , however we can be forgiven , because our intentions were altrustic .

[Bazile]

Maybe , but i'm talking about the kind sought by the aforementioned

[LazyGun]

I do not believe any individual leader or country would now be able to create an empire of subjugated states by means of force - far too much transparency, and far too much interconnectedness for that to happen.

There may be a more subtle change though; a cultural shift in values. In the late 1800s, it was GB that had the honour of being that dominant cultural exporter ( and also the dominant territorial power). In the late 1900s, that switched to the US, and has been with them for some time - but China are now a serious contender.

And you cannot discount the rise of religious fundamentalism - the spread of Islam, Sharia Law, the desire for a caliphate and all that, but again I doubt they will achieve that aim.

Any cultural dominance or empire building will be through economic trading blocks, I think.

[naomi24]

I agree with LG.

[jno]

agree with jason.p. I think you'll find Rupert Murdoch has tame politicians in many countries. Another century down the line his successors will have more.

As you say, I don't think weaponry, nuclear or otherwise, can do the job any more. So we're talking soft power.

[sandyRoe]

American dollars helped prise away elements of the old USSR. That same money is thought to be supporting separatists in China now. America won't give up its position as the dominant power in the world without a struggle.

[askyourgran]

I agree with LG, particularly about Islam and Sharia law. All other religions seem passive but Islam is proving to be a dominant in that respect and could cause problems if allowed to flourish unchecked. The young girl who was shot recently by the Taliban for example.

[Khandro]

'Softly softly catchee monkey.' You may have hardly noticed that the Chinese are quietly and without violence, legitimately buying the world; Africa, Canada and wherever you look. In my neck of the woods they now want Mercedes and Porsche, the buggers have even shown the audacity to buy up Branston Pickle! Where will it all end?

[LazyGun]

Marmite - It all ends at Marmite :)

[askyourgran]

Have you noticed all the Chinese at the Auction houses, buying back the Chinese antiques?

[craft1948]

The Chinese are scarey...........

[mightyWBA]

Bill Gates

[snags]

What... all 1.3 Billion of them?

[craft1948]

Yes, they're all good at table tennis.

[mightyWBA]

It's true the Chinese are buying everything,especially natural resources,copper and Iron ore mines etc..Economically they'll have us all by the nuts in 20 years time.
When they all have motor cars we'll be back on horseback because there'll be no fuel!

[sunny-dave]

Plenty of Osses in Doodly :)

[Answerprancer]

"World domination has been achieved by multinational companies"
Too true, particularly Microsoft, Puka Cola and Muckdondalds.

[Hopkirk]

Bazile, did you say us British can be forgiven for building a worldwide empire because our intentions were altruistic?

I presume your tongue was firmly in your cheek.

[craft1948]

I disagree AP as I live very well without anything from 2 of those companies.