The Tragedy of Great Power Politics

By: John J. Mearsheimer

Narrated by: Mark Ashby

A decade after the cold war ended, policy makers and academics foresaw a new era of peace and prosperity, an era in which democracy and open trade would herald the "end of history." 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.

©2001 John J. Mearsheimer (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Excellent

Great military history . He is an excellent writer and thinker. He understands how the world works better than most.

Superb analysis and organization

Mearsheimer not only provides theory but buttresses his approach with significant and comprehensive Examples where his analysis reflects the reality. Truly a wonderful resource and narrative. Definitely five stars.

A must read for anyone wanting to understand geopolitics

The predictions of the future between the US and China are the most salient points

Realpolitik: refreshing in its honesty

I read Mearsheimer's "The Great Delusion" which is why I read this one second. I found the Great Delusion to be refreshingly clear-eyed and informative. The Tragedy of Great Power Politics is, however, an effort to simplify great power actions by their set-pieces as if each move leads to another. It's good knowledge to have although not surprising.

Very informative.

I appreciate the authors sober analysis of geopolitics. A great read, I would reccomend this book.