March 24, 2003

This issue examined the concept of American empire in the context of ancient and modern history, with contributions from Max Boot, Christopher Caldwell, and Hugh Hewitt exploring why imperial power remains both possible and necessary in contemporary geopolitics. The magazine also featured analysis by Reuel Marc Gerecht and Stephen Schwartz on the feasibility and importance of establishing democracy in Iraq, reflecting The Weekly Standard's neoconservative perspective during the early months of the Iraq War.