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The Tragedy of Great Power Politics: A Descent into Conflict
The world stage is a complex tapestry woven with threads of ambition, fear, and self-interest. For centuries, the interactions of great powers have been characterized by a recurring pattern: a seemingly inevitable descent into conflict, despite the potential for cooperation and mutual benefit. This is the core of "The Tragedy of Great Power Politics," a concept that explains why powerful nations, even when rational actors, frequently find themselves embroiled in destructive conflicts. This post will delve into the intricacies of this tragic dynamic, exploring its underlying causes, historical examples, and potential pathways toward a more peaceful future. We will dissect the key drivers of great power competition, examine its devastating consequences, and ultimately question whether escaping this cyclical pattern is even possible.
H2: Defining Great Power Politics and its inherent tensions
Great power politics refers to the interactions between states possessing significant military, economic, and political influence on a global scale. These nations shape the international system, often vying for dominance and control over resources, territories, and ideological influence. The inherent tension arises from the security dilemma: as one nation strengthens its military or economic capabilities, others perceive this as a threat, leading them to enhance their own capabilities in response. This escalating cycle can easily spiral into a dangerous arms race, fostering mistrust and increasing the likelihood of conflict. It’s a classic prisoner's dilemma played out on a global stage, where cooperation is difficult to achieve even when it's mutually beneficial.
H2: The Security Dilemma: A Zero-Sum Game?
The security dilemma is a cornerstone of the tragedy. Each state, acting rationally in its own self-interest, seeks to enhance its security. However, these individual actions often undermine the collective security of all involved. The pursuit of security by one state can be perceived as a threat by another, prompting a counter-response that further destabilizes the system. This perception of a zero-sum game—where one state’s gain is another’s loss—is a crucial factor driving conflict. It’s a situation where even defensive measures can be interpreted as aggressive, leading to a cascade of escalating actions.
H3: Historical Examples of the Tragedy in Action
History is replete with examples illustrating this tragedy. The Cold War, a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, stands as a prime example. Both superpowers possessed immense military capabilities, fueling a nuclear arms race and proxy conflicts around the globe. Despite the potential for devastating consequences, neither side could fully trust the other, creating a perpetual state of heightened anxiety and risk. Similarly, the 19th-century European power struggles, culminating in World War I, demonstrate how a complex web of alliances and perceived threats could lead to a catastrophic global conflict.
H2: The Role of Ideology and Misperception
Ideological differences further complicate the dynamics of great power politics. Competing ideologies, such as democracy versus authoritarianism or capitalism versus communism, can exacerbate existing tensions and provide justifications for aggressive actions. Misperceptions and miscalculations also play a crucial role. States may overestimate the hostility of their rivals or underestimate their own capabilities, leading to escalations that could have been avoided. Communication breakdowns and a lack of trust further fuel these misperceptions.
H2: The High Costs of Great Power Conflict
The consequences of great power conflict are devastating, extending far beyond military casualties. Economic disruption, displacement of populations, environmental damage, and the erosion of international norms are just some of the potential ramifications. The human cost is immeasurable, with millions suffering from violence, poverty, and instability. The long-term effects on global development and cooperation can also be profound and long-lasting.
H2: Can We Escape the Tragedy? Pathways Toward Cooperation
While the tragedy of great power politics seems almost inevitable, it’s not insurmountable. Building trust and fostering communication are crucial steps towards escaping the cycle. Establishing clear channels of communication, promoting transparency, and engaging in multilateral diplomacy can help mitigate misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of conflict. International institutions, although imperfect, provide crucial forums for dialogue and cooperation. Strengthening these institutions and enhancing their effectiveness can play a significant role in managing great power competition. Furthermore, focusing on shared interests and promoting collaborative solutions to global challenges can help foster a more cooperative environment.
Conclusion:
The tragedy of great power politics is a complex and persistent challenge. While the pursuit of security and dominance often drives states towards conflict, escaping this tragic cycle is not impossible. Through enhanced communication, improved transparency, strengthened international institutions, and a commitment to cooperation on shared challenges, a more peaceful and stable international order can be achieved. The road is long and arduous, but the potential rewards—a world free from the devastating consequences of great power conflict—make it a path worth pursuing.
FAQs:
1. What is the difference between great power politics and international relations? Great power politics focuses specifically on the interactions of the most powerful states, while international relations is a broader field encompassing all interactions between states, regardless of their power.
2. Is the concept of the security dilemma always applicable? While the security dilemma is a powerful explanatory framework, its applicability can vary depending on the specific context and the nature of the relationship between states.
3. Can economic interdependence mitigate the tragedy? Economic interdependence can sometimes reduce the likelihood of conflict, but it's not a guaranteed solution, as economic competition can also exacerbate tensions.
4. What role does public opinion play in great power politics? Public opinion can significantly influence a state's foreign policy decisions, sometimes pushing it towards more confrontational or cooperative approaches.
5. What are some examples of successful cooperation between great powers? The post-World War II collaboration on nuclear non-proliferation and the creation of international organizations like the UN represent instances of successful cooperation, although these successes are often fragile and require continuous effort.
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Tragedy of Great Power Politics John J. Mearsheimer, 2001 With insight and irreverence, Mearsheimer exposes a world where no international authority reigns, and hegemony is the only insurance of security. This book will invigorate academics, vex politicians, and excite even the casual observer of international affairs. 9 maps. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Balance of Power in International Relations Richard Little, 2007-09-13 The balance of power has been a central concept in the theory and practice of international relations for the past five hundred years. It has also played a key role in some of the most important attempts to develop a theory of international politics in the contemporary study of international relations. In this 2007 book, Richard Little establishes a framework that treats the balance of power as a metaphor, a myth and a model. He then uses this framework to reassess four major texts that use the balance of power to promote a theoretical understanding of international relations: Hans J. Morgenthau's Politics Among Nations (1948), Hedley Bull's The Anarchical Society (1977), Kenneth N. Waltz's Theory of International Politics (1979) and John J. Mearsheimer's The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001). These reassessments allow the author to develop a more comprehensive model of the balance of power. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: China’s Grand Strategy and Australia’s Future in the New Global Order Geoff Raby, 2020-11-03 Disruption has blown the old world apart. The rise of China, Trump’s America First policies, division within Europe and successful defiance by authoritarian states are affecting the shape of the emerging new order. Human rights, rule of law, free media and longstanding global institutions all seem set to be weakened. Autocracies are exercising greater control over world affairs. Australia will need to engage heightened levels of diplomacy to forge relations with countries of opposing principles. It will need to be agile in pursuing a realistic foreign policy agenda. China’s Grand Strategy and Australia’s Future in the New Global Order contains answers for how Australia must position itself for this possibly dystopian future. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Intentions in Great Power Politics Sebastian Rosato, 2021-04-20 Why the future of great power politics is likely to resemble its dismal past Can great powers be confident that their peers have benign intentions? States that trust each other can live at peace; those that mistrust each other are doomed to compete for arms and allies and may even go to war. Sebastian Rosato explains that states routinely lack the kind of information they need to be convinced that their rivals mean them no harm. Even in cases that supposedly involved mutual trust—Germany and Russia in the Bismarck era; Britain and the United States during the great rapprochement; France and Germany, and Japan and the United States in the early interwar period; and the Soviet Union and United States at the end of the Cold War—the protagonists mistrusted each other and struggled for advantage. Rosato argues that the ramifications of his argument for U.S.–China relations are profound: the future of great power politics is likely to resemble its dismal past. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: A Calculus of Power Peter Gowan, 2020-05-05 In this wide-ranging and incisive collection, Peter Gowan traces the contours of the world order that emerged after the end of the Cold War and assesses its prospects in the light of the global economic downturn. Arguing that the present inter-state system was shaped from the outset by Washington's drive to maintain its status as global hegemon, Gowan dissects several cherished myths of the liberal mainstream, offering a radical counter-history of the UN and a sharp critique of the West's interventions in the Balkans. He provides a forceful response to advocates of a new cosmopolitanism, and engages with neo-realist theories of international relations-asking whether the US invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan have resulted in a crisis for their visions of American power, and discussing what the lineaments of a future order might be. Closing with an interview conducted just before his death which discusses his life's work, A Calculus of Power is a penetrating look at contemporary world politics by one of the most renowned thinkers of the New Left. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: World Order Henry Kissinger, 2015 Blending historical insight with prognostication, 'World Order' is a meditation from one of our era's most prominent diplomats on the 21st century's ultimate challenge: how to build a shared international order in a world of divergent historic perspectives, violent conflict, proliferating technology and ideological extremism. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Why Leaders Lie John J. Mearsheimer, 2013 Presents an analysis of the lying behavior of political leaders, discussing the reasons why it occurs, the different types of lies, and the costs and benefits to the public and other countries that result from it, with examples from the recent past. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Ideological Origins of Great Power Politics, 1789–1989 Mark L. Haas, 2018-09-05 How do leaders perceive threat levels in world politics, and what effects do those perceptions have on policy choices? Mark L. Haas focuses on how ideology shapes perception. He does not delineate the content of particular ideologies, but rather the degree of difference among them. Degree of ideological difference is, he believes, the crucial factor as leaders decide which nations threaten and which bolster their state's security and their own domestic power. These threat perceptions will in turn impel leaders to make particular foreign-policy choices. Haas examines great-power relations in five periods: the 1790s in Europe, the Concert of Europe (1815–1848), the 1930s in Europe, Sino-Soviet relations from 1949 to 1960, and the end of the Cold War. In each case he finds a clear relationship between the degree of ideological differences that divided state leaders and those leaders' perceptions of threat level (and so of appropriate foreign-policy choices). These relationships held in most cases, regardless of the nature of the ideologies in question, the offense-defense balance, and changes in the international distribution of power. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: While America Sleeps Donald Kagan, Frederick W. Kagan, 2014-09-30 In While England Slept Winston Churchill revealed in 1938 how the inadequacy of Britain's military forces to cope with worldwide responsibilities in a peaceful but tense era crippled its ability to deter or even adequately prepare for World War II. In While America Sleeps, historians Donald and Frederick Kagan retrace Britain's international and defense policies during the years after World War I leading up to World War II, showing in persuasive detail how self-delusion and an unwillingness to face the inescapable responsibilities on which their security and the peace of the world depended cost the British dearly. The Kagans then turn their attention to America and argue that our nation finds itself in a position similar to that of Britain in the 1920s. For all its emergency interventions the U.S. has not yet accepted its unique responsibility to take the lead in preserving the peace. Years of military cutbacks-the peace dividend following the buildup and triumph over Communism of the Reagan years-have weakened our armed forces and left us with too few armed forces to cover too many possible threats. This has caused us to bank everything on high tech smart weapons - some of which have not yet been invented and others that we are not acquiring or deploying - as opposed to the long-term commitment of money, fighting men and women, and planning that the deterrence of a major war would require. This failure to shape a policy and to commit the resources needed to maintain peace has cost valuable time in shaping a peaceful world and has placed America's long-term security in danger. The policies of the Bush and Clinton administrations have left us in a position where we cannot avoid war and keep the peace in areas vital to our security. Neither have the post-Cold War policies sent clear signals to would-be aggressors that the U.S. can and will resist them. Tensions in the Middle East, instability in eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, the nuclear confrontation between India and Pakistan, the development of nuclear weapons and missiles by North Korea, and the menacing threats and actions of China, with its immense population, resentful sense of grievance and years of military buildup, all hint that the current peaceful era will not last forever. Can we make it last as long as possible? Are we prepared to face its collapse? While America Sleeps is a sobering, fascinating work of history that poses a thoughtful challenge to policy-makers and will interest military buffs as well as readers interested in history and international relations. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Rise And Fall of British Naval Mastery Paul Kennedy, 2017-01-26 Paul Kennedy's classic naval history, now updated with a new introduction by the author This acclaimed book traces Britain's rise and fall as a sea power from the Tudors to the present day. Challenging the traditional view that the British are natural 'sons of the waves', he suggests instead that the country's fortunes as a significant maritime force have always been bound up with its economic growth. In doing so, he contributes significantly to the centuries-long debate between 'continental' and 'maritime' schools of strategy over Britain's policy in times of war. Setting British naval history within a framework of national, international, economic, political and strategic considerations, he offers a fresh approach to one of the central questions in British history. A new introduction extends his analysis into the twenty-first century and reflects on current American and Chinese ambitions for naval mastery. 'Excellent and stimulating' Correlli Barnett 'The first scholar to have set the sweep of British Naval history against the background of economic history' Michael Howard, Sunday Times 'By far the best study that has ever been done on the subject ... a sparkling and apt quotation on practically every page' Daniel A. Baugh, International History Review 'The best single-volume study of Britain and her naval past now available to us' Jon Sumida, Journal of Modern History |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Lessons of Tragedy Hal Brands, Charles Edel, 2019-02-26 A “brilliant” examination of American complacency and how it puts the nation’s—and the world’s—security at risk (The Wall Street Journal). The ancient Greeks hard-wired a tragic sensibility into their culture. By looking disaster squarely in the face, by understanding just how badly things could spiral out of control, they sought to create a communal sense of responsibility and courage—to spur citizens and their leaders to take the difficult actions necessary to avert such a fate. Today, after more than seventy years of great-power peace and a quarter-century of unrivaled global leadership, Americans have lost their sense of tragedy. They have forgotten that the descent into violence and war has been all too common throughout human history. This amnesia has become most pronounced just as Americans and the global order they created are coming under graver threat than at any time in decades. In a forceful argument that brims with historical sensibility and policy insights, two distinguished historians argue that a tragic sensibility is necessary if America and its allies are to address the dangers that menace the international order today. Tragedy may be commonplace, Brands and Edel argue, but it is not inevitable—so long as we regain an appreciation of the world’s tragic nature before it is too late. “Literate and lucid—sure to interest to readers of Fukuyama, Huntington, and similar authors as well as students of modern realpolitik.” —Kirkus Reviews |
| the tragedy of great power politics: An Introduction to International Relations Richard Devetak, Anthony Burke, Jim George, 2011-10-17 Invaluable to students and those approaching the subject for the first time, An Introduction to International Relations, Second Edition provides a comprehensive and stimulating introduction to international relations, its traditions and its changing nature in an era of globalisation. Thoroughly revised and updated, it features chapters written by a range of experts from around the world. It presents a global perspective on the theories, history, developments and debates that shape this dynamic discipline and contemporary world politics. Now in full-colour and accompanied by a password-protected companion website featuring additional chapters and case studies, this is the indispensable guide to the study of international relations. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Realism and International Relations Jack Donnelly, 2000-06 1. The realist tradition |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Theory of International Politics Kenneth Neal Waltz, 1979 Forfatterens mål med denne bog er: 1) Analyse af de gældende teorier for international politik og hvad der heri er lagt størst vægt på. 2) Konstruktion af en teori for international politik som kan kan råde bod på de mangler, der er i de nu gældende. 3) Afprøvning af den rekonstruerede teori på faktiske hændelsesforløb. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: After Victory G. John Ikenberry, 2019-04-02 The end of the Cold War was a big bang reminiscent of earlier moments after major wars, such as the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the end of the world wars in 1919 and 1945. But what do states that win wars do with their newfound power, and how do they use it to build order? In After Victory, John Ikenberry examines postwar settlements in modern history, arguing that powerful countries do seek to build stable and cooperative relations, but the type of order that emerges hinges on their ability to make commitments and restrain power. He explains that only with the spread of democracy in the twentieth century and the innovative use of international institutions—both linked to the emergence of the United States as a world power—has order been created that goes beyond balance of power politics to exhibit constitutional characteristics. Blending comparative politics with international relations, and history with theory, After Victory will be of interest to anyone concerned with the organization of world order, the role of institutions in world politics, and the lessons of past postwar settlements for today. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Restraining Great Powers T. V. Paul, 2018-01-01 At the end of the Cold War, the United States emerged as the world's most powerful state, and then used that power to initiate wars against smaller countries in the Middle East and South Asia. According to balance-of-power theory--the bedrock of realism in international relations--other states should have joined together militarily to counterbalance the United States' rising power. Yet they did not. Nor have they united to oppose Chinese aggression in the South China Sea or Russian offensives along its western border. This does not mean balance-of-power politics is dead, argues renowned international relations scholar T. V. Paul; instead it has taken a different form. Rather than employ familiar strategies such as active military alliances and arms buildups, leading powers have engaged in soft balancing, which seeks to restrain threatening powers through the use of international institutions, informal alignments, and economic sanctions. Paul places the evolution of balancing behavior in historical perspective, from the post-Napoleonic era to today's globalized world. This book offers an illuminating examination of how subtler forms of balance-of-power politics can help states achieve their goals against aggressive powers without wars or arms races. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Soft Power Joseph S Nye Jr, 2009-04-28 Joseph Nye coined the term soft power in the late 1980s. It is now used frequently—and often incorrectly—by political leaders, editorial writers, and academics around the world. So what is soft power? Soft power lies in the ability to attract and persuade. Whereas hard power—the ability to coerce—grows out of a country's military or economic might, soft power arises from the attractiveness of a country's culture, political ideals, and policies. Hard power remains crucial in a world of states trying to guard their independence and of non-state groups willing to turn to violence. It forms the core of the Bush administration's new national security strategy. But according to Nye, the neo-conservatives who advise the president are making a major miscalculation: They focus too heavily on using America's military power to force other nations to do our will, and they pay too little heed to our soft power. It is soft power that will help prevent terrorists from recruiting supporters from among the moderate majority. And it is soft power that will help us deal with critical global issues that require multilateral cooperation among states. That is why it is so essential that America better understands and applies our soft power. This book is our guide. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Conventional Deterrence John J. Mearsheimer, 1985-08-21 Conventional Deterrence is a book about the origins of war. Why do nations faced with the prospect of large-scale conventional war opt for or against an offensive strategy? John J. Mearsheimer examines a number of crises that led to major conventional wars to explain why deterrence failed. He focuses first on Allied and German decision making in the years 1939–1940, analyzing why the Allies did not strike first against Germany after declaring war and, conversely, why the Germans did attack the West. Turning to the Middle East, he examines the differences in Israeli and Egyptian strategic doctrines prior to the start of the major conventional conflicts in that region. Mearsheimer then critically assays the relative strengths and weaknesses of NATO and the Warsaw Pact to determine the prospects for conventional deterrence in any future crisis. He is also concerned with examining such relatively technical issues as the impact of precision-guided munitions (PGM) on conventional deterrence and the debate over maneuver versus attrition warfare.Mearsheimer pays considerable attention to questions of military strategy and tactics. Challenging the claim that conventional detrrence is largely a function of the numerical balance of forces, he also takes issue with the school of thought that ascribes deterrence failures to the dominance of offensive weaponry. In addition to examining the military consideration underlying deterrence, he also analyzes the interaction between those military factors and the broader political considerations that move a nation to war. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Why Nations Fail Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson, 2012-03-08 Shortlisted for the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award 2012. Why are some nations more prosperous than others? Why Nations Fail sets out to answer this question, with a compelling and elegantly argued new theory: that it is not down to climate, geography or culture, but because of institutions. Drawing on an extraordinary range of contemporary and historical examples, from ancient Rome through the Tudors to modern-day China, leading academics Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson show that to invest and prosper, people need to know that if they work hard, they can make money and actually keep it - and this means sound institutions that allow virtuous circles of innovation, expansion and peace. Based on fifteen years of research, and answering the competing arguments of authors ranging from Max Weber to Jeffrey Sachs and Jared Diamond, Acemoglu and Robinson step boldly into the territory of Francis Fukuyama and Ian Morris. They blend economics, politics, history and current affairs to provide a new, powerful and persuasive way of understanding wealth and poverty. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: End of History and the Last Man Francis Fukuyama, 2006-03-01 Ever since its first publication in 1992, the New York Times bestselling The End of History and the Last Man has provoked controversy and debate. Profoundly realistic and important...supremely timely and cogent...the first book to fully fathom the depth and range of the changes now sweeping through the world. —The Washington Post Book World Francis Fukuyama's prescient analysis of religious fundamentalism, politics, scientific progress, ethical codes, and war is as essential for a world fighting fundamentalist terrorists as it was for the end of the Cold War. Now updated with a new afterword, The End of History and the Last Man is a modern classic. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Politics Among Nations Hans Joachim Morgenthau, Kenneth W. Thompson, 1985 |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Geopolitics John Agnew, 2004-03-01 Geopolitics identifies and scrutinizes the central features of geopolitics from the sixteenth century to the present. The book focuses on five key concepts of the modern geopolitical imagination: * Visualising the world as a whole * The definition of geographical areas as 'advanced' or 'primitive' * The notion of the state being the highest form of political organization * The pursuit of primacy by competing states * The necessity for hierarchy. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Globalization / Anti-Globalization David Held, Anthony McGrew, 2007-11-19 Table of Contents List of Figures and Tables Acknowledgements Introduction 1 The Demise of Globalization? : Current Controversies Part One - The Globalization Controversy 2 The Recon?guration of Political Power? 3 The Fate of National Culture 4 Global Insecurities: Military Threats and Environmental Catastrophe 5 A New World Economic Order? : Global Markets and State Power 6 The Great Divergence? Global Inequality and Development 7 (Mis)Managing the World? Part Two - Remaking Globalization 8 Beyond Globalization / Antiglobalization 9 World Orders, Ethical Foundations 10 The Contentious Politics of Globalization: Mapping Ideals and Theories 11 Reconstructing World Order: Towards Cosmopolitan Social Democracy 12 Testing Cosmopolitan Social Democracy; the challenge of 9/11 and global economic governance References Index. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Great Delusion John J. Mearsheimer, 2018-01-01 A major theoretical statement by a distinguished political scholar explains why a policy of liberal hegemony is doomed to fail It is widely believed in the West that the United States should spread liberal democracy across the world, foster an open international economy, and build international institutions. The policy of remaking the world in America's image is supposed to protect human rights, promote peace, and make the world safe for democracy. But this is not what has happened. Instead, the United States has become a highly militarized state fighting wars that undermine peace, harm human rights, and threaten liberal values at home. In this major statement, the renowned international-relations scholar John Mearsheimer argues that liberal hegemony--the foreign policy pursued by the United States since the Cold War ended--is doomed to fail. It makes far more sense, he maintains, for Washington to adopt a more restrained foreign policy based on a sound understanding of how nationalism and realism constrain great powers abroad. The Great Delusion is a lucid and compelling work of the first importance for scholars, policymakers, and everyone interested in the future of American foreign policy. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Ideas That Conquered The World Michael Mandelbaum, 2004-01-08 At the dawn of the twenty-first century, three ideas dominate the world: peace as the preferred basis for relations between and among different countries, democracy as the optimal way to organize political life, and free markets as the indispensable vehicle for the creation of wealth. While not practiced everywhere, these ideas have--for the first time in history--no serious rivals. And although the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were terrible and traumatic, they did not change everything, as so many commentators have asserted. Instead, these events served to illuminate even more brightly the world that emerged from the end of the Cold War. In The Ideas That Conquered the World, Michael Mandelbaum describes the uneven spread (over the past two centuries) of peace, democracy, and free markets from the wealthy and powerful countries of the world's core, where they originated, to the weaker and poorer countries of its periphery. And he assesses the prospects for these ideas in the years to come, giving particular attention to the United States, which bears the greatest responsibility for protecting and promoting them, and to Russia, China, and the Middle East, in which they are not well established and where their fate will affect the rest of the world. Drawing on history, politics, and economics, this incisive book provides a clear and original guide to the main trends of the twenty-first century, from globalization to terrorism, through the perspective of one of our era's most provocative thinkers. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Leopards in the Temple Morris Dickstein, 2002 The 25 years after World War II were a fertile period for the American novel and an era of transformation in American society. Offering a social as well as literary history, Dickstein provides a frank assessment of more than 20 key figures. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: History and Neorealism Ernest R. May, Richard Rosecrance, Zara Steiner, 2010-09-09 Neorealists argue that all states aim to acquire power and that state cooperation can therefore only be temporary, based on a common opposition to a third country. This view condemns the world to endless conflict for the indefinite future. Based upon careful attention to actual historical outcomes, this book contends that, while some countries and leaders have demonstrated excessive power drives, others have essentially underplayed their power and sought less position and influence than their comparative strength might have justified. Featuring case studies from across the globe, History and Neorealism examines how states have actually acted. The authors conclude that leadership, domestic politics, and the domain (of gain or loss) in which they reside play an important role along with international factors in raising the possibility of a world in which conflict does not remain constant and, though not eliminated, can be progressively reduced. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Tragedy of U.S. Foreign Policy Walter A. McDougall, 2018-11-22 A fierce critique of civil religion as the taproot of America’s bid for global hegemony Pulitzer Prize–winning historian Walter A. McDougall argues powerfully that a pervasive but radically changing faith that “God is on our side” has inspired U.S. foreign policy ever since 1776. The first comprehensive study of the role played by civil religion in U.S. foreign relations over the entire course of the country’s history, McDougall’s book explores the deeply infused religious rhetoric that has sustained and driven an otherwise secular republic through peace, war, and global interventions for more than two hundred years. From the Founding Fathers and the crusade for independence to the Monroe Doctrine, through World Wars I and II and the decades-long Cold War campaign against “godless Communism,” this coruscating polemic reveals the unacknowledged but freely exercised dogmas of civil religion that bind together a “God blessed” America, sustaining the nation in its pursuit of an ever elusive global destiny. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Broken Vows Tom Bower, 2016-03-03 The political thriller of the year - UPDATED WITH A DEVASTATING NEW CHAPTER ON THE CHILCOT INQUIRY'Excellent' Sunday Times'Devastating' Daily MailWhen Tony Blair became prime minister in 1997, he was, at forty-three, the youngest to hold that office since 1812. With a landslide majority, his approval rating was 93 per cent and he went on to become Labour's longest-serving premier. So what went wrong? With unprecedented access to more than 180 Whitehall officials, military officers and politicians, Tom Bower has uncovered the full story of Blair's decade in power. He has followed Blair's trail from his resignation, since which he has built a remarkable empire advising tycoons and tyrants. The result is the political thriller of the year, illuminating the mystery of an extraordinary politician who continues to fascinate to this day. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Tiananmen Square Vijay Gokhale, 2021-05-07 'I recall being woken by the sound of tanks moving down the Avenue of Eternal Peace. It was 5 o'clock on the morning of 4 June. Tanks, APCs and troop trucks were sweeping down the avenue. Citizens ran for cover. Helicopters hovered above. Foreign media claimed that Chinese troops had fired into the crowds with several hundred casualties.' More than three decades later, the Tiananmen Square incident refuses to be forgotten. The events that occurred in the summer of 1989 would not only set the course for China's politics but would also re-define its relationship with the world. China's message was clear: it remained committed to market-oriented reform, but it would not tolerate any challenge to the supremacy of the Chinese Communist Party. In return for economic prosperity, the Chinese have surrendered some rights to the state. A democratic future seems far away. Vijay Gokhale, then a young diplomat serving in Beijing, was a witness to the drama that unfolded in Tiananmen Square. This unique account brings an Indian perspective on an event in China's history that the Chinese government has been eager to have the world forget. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Power of Power Politics John A. Vasquez, 1983 |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy John J Mearsheimer, Stephen M Walt, 2008-06-26 Does America’s pro-Israel lobby wield inappropriate control over US foreign policy? This book has created a storm of controversy by bringing out into the open America’s relationship with the Israel lobby: a loose coalition of individuals and organizations that actively work to shape foreign policy in a way that is profoundly damaging both to the United States and Israel itself. Israel is an important, valued American ally, yet Mearsheimer and Walt show that, by encouraging unconditional US financial and diplomatic support for Israel and promoting the use of its power to remake the Middle East, the lobby has jeopardized America’s and Israel’s long-term security and put other countries – including Britain – at risk. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Lord of the Flies William Golding, 2012-09-20 A plane crashes on a desert island and the only survivors, a group of schoolboys, assemble on the beach and wait to be rescued. By day they inhabit a land of bright fantastic birds and dark blue seas, but at night their dreams are haunted by the image of a terrifying beast. As the boys' delicate sense of order fades, so their childish dreams are transformed into something more primitive, and their behaviour starts to take on a murderous, savage significance. First published in 1954, Lord of the Flies is one of the most celebrated and widely read of modern classics. Now fully revised and updated, this educational edition includes chapter summaries, comprehension questions, discussion points, classroom activities, a biographical profile of Golding, historical context relevant to the novel and an essay on Lord of the Flies by William Golding entitled 'Fable'. Aimed at Key Stage 3 and 4 students, it also includes a section on literary theory for advanced or A-level students. The educational edition encourages original and independent thinking while guiding the student through the text - ideal for use in the classroom and at home. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Coriolanus William Shakespeare, 1818 |
| the tragedy of great power politics: White World Order, Black Power Politics Robert Vitalis, 2015-12-09 Racism and imperialism are the twin forces that propelled the course of the United States in the world in the early twentieth century and in turn affected the way that diplomatic history and international relations were taught and understood in the American academy. Evolutionary theory, social Darwinism, and racial anthropology had been dominant doctrines in international relations from its beginnings; racist attitudes informed research priorities and were embedded in newly formed professional organizations. In White World Order, Black Power Politics, Robert Vitalis recovers the arguments, texts, and institution building of an extraordinary group of professors at Howard University, including Alain Locke, Ralph Bunche, Rayford Logan, Eric Williams, and Merze Tate, who was the first black female professor of political science in the country.Within the rigidly segregated profession, the Howard School of International Relations represented the most important center of opposition to racism and the focal point for theorizing feasible alternatives to dependency and domination for Africans and African Americans through the early 1960s. Vitalis pairs the contributions of white and black scholars to reconstitute forgotten historical dialogues and show the critical role played by race in the formation of international relations. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli, 2024-10-14 It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. The Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, is a groundbreaking work in the genre of political philosophy, first published in 1532. It offers a direct and unflinching examination of power and leadership, challenging conventional notions of morality and ethics in governance. This work will leave you questioning the true nature of authority and political strategy. Machiavelli's prose captures the very essence of human ambition, forcing readers to grapple with the harsh realities of leadership. This is not just a historical treatise, but a blueprint for navigating the political power structures of any era. If you're seeking a deeper understanding of political leadership and the dynamics of influence, this book is for you. Sneak Peek Since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved. In The Prince, Machiavelli draws on historical examples and his own diplomatic experience to lay out a stark vision of what it takes to seize and maintain power. From the ruthlessness of Cesare Borgia to the political maneuvering of Italian city-states, Machiavelli outlines how a leader must be prepared to act against virtue when necessary. Every decision is a gamble, and success depends on mastering the balance between cunning and force. Synopsis The story of The Prince delves into the often brutal realities of ruling. Machiavelli provides rulers with a pragmatic guide for gaining and sustaining power, asserting that the ends justify the means. The book is not just a reflection on how power was wielded in Renaissance Italy but a timeless manual that offers insight into political consulting, political history, and current political issues. Its relevance has endured for centuries, influencing leaders and thinkers alike. Machiavelli emphasizes that effective rulers must learn how to adapt, deceive, and act decisively in pursuit of their goals. This stunning, classic literature reprint of The Prince offers unaltered preservation of the original text, providing you with an authentic experience as Machiavelli intended. It's an ideal gift for anyone passionate about political science books or those eager to dive into the intricacies of power and leadership. Add this thought-provoking masterpiece to your collection, or give it to a loved one who enjoys the best political books. The Prince is more than just a book – it's a legacy. Grab Your Copy Now and get ready to command power like a true Prince. Title Details Original 1532 text Political Philosophy Historical Context |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Does America Need a Foreign Policy? Henry Kissinger, 2001 The former Secretary of State under Richard Nixon argues that a coherent foreign policy is essential and lays out his own plan for getting the nation's international affairs in order. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Regime Change Robert S. Litwak, Robert Litwak, 2007-01-30 The 9/11 terrorist attacks starkly recast the U.S. debate on rogue states. In this new era of vulnerability, should the United States counter the dangers of weapons proliferation and state-sponsored terrorism by toppling regimes or by promoting change in the threatening behavior of their leaders? Regime Change examines the contrasting precedents set with Iraq and Libya and provides incisive analysis of the pressing crises with North Korea and Iran. A successor to the author's influential Rogue States and U.S. Foreign Policy (2000), this compelling book clarifies and critiques the terms in which today's vital foreign policy and security debate is being conducted. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: The Twenty Years' Crisis, 1919-1939 E. Carr, 2001-09-19 E.H. Carr's Twenty Years' Crisis is a classic work in International Relations. Published in 1939, on the eve of World War II, it was immediately recognized by friend and foe alike as a defining work in the fledgling discipline. The author was one of the most influential and controversial intellectuals of the twentieth century. The issues and themes he develops in this book continue to have relevance to modern day concerns with power and its distribution in the international system. Michael Cox's critical introduction provides the reader with background information about the author, the context for the book, its main themes and contemporary relevance. Written with the student in mind, it offers a guide to understanding a complex, but crucial text. |
| the tragedy of great power politics: Europe's Last Summer David Fromkin, 2009-05-27 The Great War not only destroyed the lives of over twenty million soldiers and civilians, it also ushered in a century of huge political and social upheaval, led directly to the Second World War and altered for ever the mechanisms of governments. And yet its causes, both long term and immediate, have continued to be shrouded in mystery. In Europe's Last Summer, David Fromkin reveals a new pattern in the happenings of that fateful July and August, which leads in unexpected directions. Rather than one war, starting with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, he sees two conflicts, related but not inseparably linked, whose management drew Europe and the world into what The Economist described as early as 1914 as 'perhaps the greatest tragedy in human history'. |
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