I have a theory that as technology increases the speed of change it also shortens the duration of empires. I have no evidence of those though.
Discussion
I would say evidence of this is the history of empires and what made them shift, as well as the basic logic that empires rely on the structure of power, and the surest way to change the structure of power is to introduce new technology.
I completely agree with your assessment and I think its a very rational conclusion.