Empires are characterized by their centralized power structures, which can sometimes experience internal conflicts. At the core of these systems is a privileged economic class that maintains its dominance through a combination of oppression and expert control over information and communication within society. This manipulation is often extended to influence other nominally independent power structures, ensuring that the elite's interests are preserved.

In essence, the primary theme of empires is one of dominance, where a select few wield significant control over resources and societal narrative. The dynamics of power, economics, and information flow are crucial in understanding how empires operate and sustain their influence over the broader population.