The Chinese Empire was founded in 221 BC and lasted until 1912, when it was replaced by the Republic of China. Throughout these 2,132 years, the Empire was shaken by civil strife and foreign invasions, conquered by foreign tribes, and experienced devastating uprisings. Nonetheless, its fundamental institutional, sociopolitical, and cultural features remained unchanged.

In The Eternal Empire, the reasons for China's unmatched political resilience are explored, given that the Empire managed to survive and respond to both internal and external challenges. One of the key factors that contributed to its long-standing course was its combination of strict ideological foundations with flexible application.

The main political actors and the neighbors of the Empire respected and adopted its fundamental principles, such as unity under a monarch. However, the details of leadership were constantly subject to negotiation.

As modern China enters a new era of governance in the 21st century, Pains examines how its imperial legacy influences its path.