War and Change in World Politics

Author: Gilpin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: This book introduces readers to a new and important theory in the transformation of international politics, establishing a conceptual framework that may change the way we perceive international relations. Professor Gilpin believes that the essence of international relations has remained unchanged for thousands of years. He integrates theories from history, sociology, and economics to discuss the forces that drive change in the world order. The discussion focuses on the growth of different forces within the international system and the consequences of this imbalance. Shifts in the balance of economic or military power weaken the foundation of the existing system, as the power gained from changing the system depends on increasing gains and reducing costs. Gilpin argues that as a result, actors transform the system through territorial, political, or economic expansion until the marginal cost of maintaining change exceeds the marginal benefit. When states develop power and transform the system based on their interests, they will strive for it, whether by increasing economic efficiency, maximizing common interests, or redistributing wealth and power to their advantage.