In his talk at National Chengchi University (NCCU), Prof. Harry Harding, CAPRI board member and Yushan Scholar, delivered a talk on the enduring influence of fallen empires on global culture, politics, society, and architecture. Drawing on historical examples like the Roman, Austrian, and Japanese Empires, he highlighted how external pressures, rather than internal weaknesses, often precipitated their decline. Prof. Harding emphasized that the Roman Empire’s legacy, in particular, continues to shape modern governance, cultural norms, and language in profound ways.
Shifting to the modern era, Prof. Harding explored the far-reaching impacts of the British Empire, focusing on its adaptability, such as granting independence to Commonwealth nations. He highlighted current debates about the monarchy, pointing to growing republican sentiment in Australia during King Charles III’s reign. His analysis extended to colonial legacies in Hong Kong, where British influence remains evident in place names and cultural landmarks, and in Taiwan, where remnants of Japanese imperial rule persist. These examples underscored the lasting imprint of empires on contemporary societies worldwide.
This lecture was co-hosted by CAPRI, NCCU’s College of Social Sciences, the International Doctoral Program in Asia-Pacific Studies, and the Yushan Fellow Program.
Coverage by College of Social Sciences, NCCU:
《風傳媒》報導：
維也納．台北．思想的城市 （謝錦芳）
