The Tragedy of Great Power Politics - Softcover

Mearsheimer, John J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393978397 ISBN 13: 9780393978391

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2002

Synopsis

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, sadly shattered these idyllic illusions, and John Mearsheimer's masterful new book explains why these harmonious visions remain utopian. To 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. Mearsheimer illuminates his theory of offensive realism through a sweeping survey of modern great power struggles and reflects on the bleak prospects for peace in Europe and northeast Asia, arguing that the United States's security competition with a rising China will intensify regardless of "engagement" policies.

About this title

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. "

A signal triumph. --Robert D. Kaplan"

A signal triumph.--Robert D. Kaplan

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

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.--Adam Roberts

Synopsis:

This text discusses the theory of "offensive realism", arguing that states are inherently driven to gain power. The text challenges the assumption that the end of the cold war left the world a safer place; rather, in a world in which no international authority reigns, hegemony is the only true assurance of security. To suport this theory, the text provides evidence from the histoy of great power politics, demonstrating how Germany, the United States and the Soviet Union each sought to maximize power and how their actions are replicated in other case studies from around the world.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0393978397
• ISBN 13: 9780393978391
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 576