Synopses & Reviews
The update of this classic treatise on the behavior of great powers takes a penetrating look at the question likely to dominate international relations in the twenty-first century: Can China rise peacefully? To John J. Mearsheimer, great power politics are tragic because the anarchy of the international system requires states to seek dominance at one another’s expense, dooming even peaceful nations to a relentless power struggle. The best survival strategy in this dangerous world is to become a regional hegemon— like the United States in the Western Hemisphere—and to make sure that no other hegemon emerges elsewhere. In a new concluding chapter, Mearsheimer examines the course of Sino-American relations should China continue its ascent to greater economic and military power. He predicts that China will attempt to dominate Asia while the United States, determined to remain the world’s sole regional hegemon, will go to great lengths to contain China. The tragedy of great power politics is inescapable.
Review
"Backed by an impressive historical review and a refreshingly systematic analysis of power...[S]ure to provoke debate among scholars...An ambitious undertaking." Patricia Cohen
Review
"Mearsheimer provides an admirable mixture of conceptual clarity and detailed historical observation...He is an excellent critic of rival perspectives, exposing their weaknesses with real forensic flair. Admirably, he seems to be happiest when swimming against the prevailing tide of academic opinion." New York Times
Review
"[John Mearsheimer's] target is the optimistic view of geopolitics that grew up after the cold war's end in 1989. He demolishes all the main components of that happy vision." Adam Roberts Times Literary Supplement
Review
"A signal triumph." Economist
Review
"A signal triumph." Adam Roberts Times Literary Supplement
Synopsis
"A superb book....Mearsheimer has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the behavior of great powers."--Barry R. Posen,
Synopsis
The updated edition of this classic treatise on the behavior of great powers takes a penetrating look at the question likely to dominate international relations in the twenty-first century: Can China rise peacefully? In clear, eloquent prose, John Mearsheimer explains why the answer is no: a rising China will seek to dominate Asia, while the United States, determined to remain the world's sole regional hegemon, will go to great lengths to prevent that from happening. The tragedy of great power politics is inescapable.
About the Author
John J. Mearsheimer is the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and the co-director of the Program on International Security Policy. He authored Liddell Hart and the Weight of History and Conventional Deterrence, and his articles have appeared in International Security, The New Republic, Foreign Affairs, and The Atlantic Monthly, among others.