History, sociology and the study of empires: Reflections of a historical sociologist.

The article focuses on the longstanding separation between history and sociology and argues for their synthesis, particularly in the study of empires. It highlights that historians have extensively documented individual empires but rarely theorized comparatively, while sociologists have traditionally neglected empires due to methodological nationalism and a focus on nation-states. The author emphasizes the importance of a comparative historical sociology approach to understand empires’ traditions, distinctions between land and overseas empires, ideologies, and their complex relationship with nation-states. The article also discusses the persistence of imperial legacies in contemporary global politics and stresses that only a combined effort of historians and sociologists can fully capture the multifaceted nature and ongoing relevance of empires.