Distinguishing Hardt & Negri's Empire

Political theorists Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri differentiate their concept of "Empire" from traditional "imperialism." The crucial distinction lies in the nature of contemporary global power.

Empire: A Decentralized Global Order

Hardt and Negri argue that the current global system, which they term "Empire," lacks a single, identifiable geographical center or location. Unlike historical imperialism, which typically involved a dominant nation-state controlling colonies, modern global power operates differently.

• The global structure is fluid and networked, not bound to a specific territorial center.
• This deterritorialized and decentered nature of contemporary power necessitates a distinct term.

Capitalization Significance

The capitalization of "Empire" (with an upper-case 'E') serves to highlight this unique characteristic. It signifies a novel form of sovereignty and global governance that transcends traditional imperial models. Therefore, the term distinguishes this new configuration of power from older forms of imperialism.