@asuffield said:@tster said: when I say "most powerful" I don't mean largest % of world power.  If such was the case I would probably be inclined to think that the Chinese (and then the Mongols) were the most powerful empire ever.   No, I go by actual power.  If the British empire at their hight went to war with the United States now, it would be a massive slaughter.  Technology is key here. Okay, then the modern Chinese have got the US thoroughly beaten on that one - their military is approximately three times larger on all fronts except operational aircraft (which is about even). A lot of the Chinese equipment is older, but any military strategist will tell you that you're just as dead when you're shot with a 20-year-old gun as you are when shot with a modern one - the US equipment is a bit more efficient and reliable, but that's no help when they're hopelessly outnumbered. There are no fundamental differences in the technology they're using. They also have the notable advantage that the Chinese leaders are willing to engage in tactics like this: Non-Military Intelligence Kudos on the OOTS reference :)