Ancient Middle Eastern Empire
According to Michael Mann, "the political radius of practical rule by a state is smaller than the radius of military conquest." Does this statement throw any light on the character of the "empires of domination" in ancient Middle East? Can Mann's notion of dissipation of power into society account for the cycles of rise and fall of ancient Middle Eastern Empires? Does the concept of empires of domination neglect any normative dimension highlighted by the ancient idea of the "Circle of Justice?" How would you relate the idea of idea of the Circle of Justice to the process of decline and fragmentation in these empires?
Response must answer all parts of the question in details with evidence.