Pilot Lecture: How Republics Die – The Fall of the Roman Republic

Course Overview

Course No. 90180

Consider the nature of constitutional governments and their lifespans with a look back at the collapse of the Roman Republic.

When is a republic in crisis? How can we tell the difference between true political instability and media hype? Why do some constitutional governments last for centuries while others fail?

Professor Nicholas Kenney examines the collapse of a republican government that thrived for over five centuries before its failure. This lecture explores:

• The transformation of Rome from republic to dictatorship
• Key factors that made Rome a successful republic
• Warning signs of democratic decline
• Parallels between ancient Rome and modern governments

Video Lecture

01: How Republics Die: The Fall of the Roman Republic (36 min)

How does a constitutional government fail? Join Professor Nicholas Kenney to explore the transformation of one of the world’s most influential democratic governments into a dictatorship.