User blog comment:ShawnCognitionCP/The Empire vs Stormcloaks, the most likely answer/@comment-14027812-20140611215301

I rejoice at the breath of the Red Diamond's right to rule on my eyes, bringing back the old passion I had for defending the Empire. I don't think the Empire can defeat the Thalmor, though. I think no one can. Next game, I think, will take place in a Dominion-ruled Tamriel with a failing Empire. Bethesda launched too many strikes at it in Skyrim to think it still has a chance in the developers' minds.