The point that is truly hammered home in an entirely convincing way is that you do need elite-conflict theory to explain imperial decline. Lachmann does a brilliant job in showcasing just how inadequate previous theories of the end of empire have been. We seem to have settled for ‘it can’t go on forever’ as a major intellectual position on the issue. Here the book really shines new light on a very important topic and the central theoretical contribution is made. We have a breakdown of the four major elite fissures and thorough historical analysis to back it up. I have to admit, however, that I may prefer this interpretation since it gives me more intellectual distance from the depressing conclusions Lachmann ultimately reaches about the United States’ social trajectory. We may be in a sinking ship but I’m hoping we can still contribute to knowledge that might produce a different kind of craft. One that is hopefully more durable, more sustainable, more equitable, and hopefully even more enjoyable for all its passengers.