John J. Mearsheimer

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics

A jarring and compelling analysis of the inevitability of war.

A decade after the end of the Cold War, both policy makers and academics foresee a new era of peace and prosperity, an era when democracy, open trade, and mutual trust will join hands to banish war from the globe. With insight worthy of The Prince, John Mearsheimer exposes the truth behind this idyllic illusion: in a world where no international authority reigns above states, great powers invariably seek to gain power at each other's expense and to establish themselves as the dominant state.

Since, as Mearsheimer reminds us, nobody answers when states dial 911, they must be ready for danger from any quarter. Is my neighbor my friend? Will today's friend become tomorrow's enemy? Am I strong enough to stave off an attack? In a world where no state can be sure that others will not have hostile intentions, great powers must protect themselves by acquiring as much power as possible in case another state becomes aggressive. Herein lies the tragedy of great power politics: even states that might be content to live at peace are condemned to engage in a relentless struggle for power.

Mearsheimer's provocative theory of "offensive realism" not only explains why visions of a harmonious world remain utopian but also illuminates the different strategies that great powers use to advance their interests. He shows, for example, why great powers try to shift the burden of preserving the balance of power onto both allies and rivals, and why they often welcome wars between rival states. To support his theory, Mearsheimer unveils a comprehensive, eye-opening history of modern great powers such as Wilhelmine Germany, the Soviet Union, imperial Japan, and the United States, showing how each one sought to maximize its own power whenever favorable opportunities arose.

Readers will find more than just theory and history in these pages. Mearsheimer also reflects on the prospects for peace in Europe and Northeast Asia, the areas of primary strategic interest to the United States. He maintains that today's relative tranquillity in those regions will be but a brief interlude in the perennial struggle between great powers. In particular, he argues that the United States is destined to wage an intense and dangerous security competition with a rising China, and that attempts to prevent that conflict through a strategy of "engagement" are doomed to fail.

"Mearsheimer asks important and difficult questions and gives provocative answers. Here, he provides a fascinating account of how great powers behave and a powerful explanation of why they behave as they do. This book is the definitive work on offensive realism." —Kenneth Waltz, Columbia University

"In The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, John Mearsheimer marshals enormous evidence and sophisticated logic to make an impressive case for his theory of 'offensive realism.' This book ranks with, and in many respects supersedes, the works of Morgenthau and Waltz in the core canon of the realist literature on international politics. All serious students of international affairs will have to come to grips with its argument." —Samuel P. Huntington, Harvard University

"The Tragedy of Great Power Politics takes realist theory to a new level of rigor and sophistication. In clear and accessible prose, Mearsheimer explains why security competition is 'hard-wired' into the international system and identifies the different ways that great powers compete for power. His arguments are provocative and compelling, and supported by a wealth of historical evidence. Some readers may reject his conclusions, but few will find them easy to disregard. This book will be essential reading for scholars and students but will also be of interest to anyone who wants to know how international relations really works." —Stephen M. Walt, Harvard University