Dad Saves America Podcast: Is America Heading Into an Empire Era Like Rome?

In a recent clip from the Dad Saves America podcast, host John Papola sits down with Wilfred Reilly — a Chicago native and political scientist at Kentucky State University — to explore striking parallels between America’s growth and the rise (and potential pitfalls) of ancient Rome.

Watch the clip here [VIDEO]

America is approaching its 250th birthday in 2026, and the conversation around what that means for our national story is heating up.

Founding Echoes of Rome

The American founders openly drew inspiration from Rome — think the Senate, the eagle symbol on our flags and seals, and the grand Romanesque architecture in Washington, D.C. But Reilly points out the connection runs deeper than symbols. America’s westward expansion mirrored the Roman Republic’s consolidation of power over other civilized societies: Louisiana Purchase from France, Texas through war and treaty, and earlier Spanish influences in the Southwest.

We weren’t building from empty land. This continent already held diverse cultures, peoples, and prior claims. The U.S. became a vast, single-language republic spanning sea to shining sea — something historically unusual compared to fractured Europe or more homogeneous powers like Han China. Reilly suggests Rome is the closest analog: an imperial power absorbing advanced societies through a mix of conquest, purchase, and assimilation.

National Identity in a Changing America

The discussion turns to unity. America was historically a biracial nation (roughly 90% White, 10% Black). Today, even counting Caucasian Hispanics, it’s about 75% White, with growing diversity. Reilly argues we must build cohesion around shared creedal ideas — law, language, culture — rather than pure demographics.

There’s optimism in re-examining some center-left narratives, but challenges remain. Without a strong national identity, Reilly warns we could see fragmentation: something like a Brazil-style federalism with powerful centers and poorer regions, or even echoes of Britain’s decline into smaller entities.

The Empire Question

As we celebrate 250 years, the big question looms: Are we entering our own imperial phase? Rome’s Republic gave way to strong central leadership when its diverse population strained democratic norms. It enjoyed a high imperial peak for about 150 years before decline — partly from relying on “barbarians” as citizens stopped fighting.

Reilly doesn’t see this as inevitable doom for America, given our high-functioning population. But the conversation invites reflection: How do we maintain republican virtues while managing size, diversity, and power? Trump’s presidency for the anniversary is noted positively for its celebratory tone versus alternatives.

My Take

I share some of Reilly’s concerns about maintaining a strong shared American identity. Open borders and rapid demographic changes risk eroding our common values, language, and culture. I worry about America fracturing further along ethnic, racial, linguistic, or other identity lines — and potentially losing its character as a Judeo-Christian society that has long served as a unifying foundation.

What do you think? Are we on the cusp of something imperial, or can we renew the Republic? Drop your thoughts below.