There was no corner of the known world where some interest was not alleged to be in danger or under actual attack. If the interests were not Roman, they were those of Rome's allies; and if Rome had no allies, then allies would be invented. When it was utterly impossible to contrive such an interest–why, then it was the national honor that had been insulted. The fight was always invested with an aura of legality. Rome was always being attacked by evil-minded neighbors, always fighting for a breathing space. The whole world was pervaded by a host of enemies, and it was manifestly Rome's duty to guard against their indubitably aggressive designs. They were enemies who only waited to fall on the Roman people. .Joseph Alois Schumpeter
About This Quote
When Rome fell, no one was able to stop the constant wars. The only way people could defend themselves was by forming alliances. That’s why Rome had many allies. The idea of Rome being attacked by evil-minded neighbors was used as an excuse to start wars.
They would start wars for the sake of having “breathing space”. It is said that “The whole world was pervaded by a host of enemies” and that the enemies only waited to fall on the Roman people.
Source: Imperialism And Social Classes: Two Essays By Joseph Schumpeter
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