When Donald Trump clinched the US Presidency last week, world leaders practically stumbled over each other in a frenzied dash to congratulate him. Clearly the idea was that an extra flourish or two might win them favour with this new emperor of a modern empire. This reinforces the notion that America, even though in slow but steady decline, still reigns as the preeminent superpower, wielding a global influence that would be as familiar to a Roman emperor as it is to the President-elect.

The parallels between Washington DC. and Rome—in terms of trappings of power, grandeur and diplomacy—are unmistakable. Much like ancient Rome, Washington is a beacon of authority where world leaders arrive to pay respects and seek influence. From the remote reaches of Britannia to the deserts of Egypt, emissaries once travelled to Rome to bask in its glory and secure the emperor's favour. In its own way, Washington DC appears to be the heir to this imperial aura, with diplomats, heads of state and dignitaries flocking to its corridors to align themselves with American power.

In fact, it is not lost on us that several federal buildings in Washington DC were heavily modelled on Roman architecture to convey the ideals of democracy, liberty and grandeur. It was Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founding fathers, who drew inspiration from the republican ideals and aesthetics of the Roman Republic, which he admired for its principles of civic virtue, republicanism, and enduring architecture. Jefferson influenced the classical architectural style that defined some DC buildings, such as the US Capitol and Supreme Court, infusing the cityscape with a Roman grandeur that embodied the principles of America's founding vision. Surely, early American Presidents positioned themselves in the tradition of ancient Greeks and Romans whose vibrant societies and polity stood out for holding public debates and developing principles, such as the rule of law, liberty and justice.

Roman emperors were renowned for their ability to project power, both militarily and culturally, across continents—a legacy with undeniable resonance in today's American presidency. Consider Augustus, Rome's first emperor, who........

© NDTV