Empire refers to a political entity that exercises control over a large territory and often includes diverse ethnic or cultural groups. Research in the field of empire studies focuses on understanding the rise and fall of empires, their impact on societies, economies, and cultures, as well as the ways in which empires interact with and influence other political entities. Scholars in this field may examine topics such as imperial expansion, colonialism, imperialism, resistance to imperial rule, and the legacy of empires in contemporary societies. Empire studies often draw on a range of disciplines, including history, political science, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies.