The Rise and Fall of Great Powers: Economic Changes and Military Conflicts from 1500 to 2000

Author: [USA] Kennedy
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: This book summarizes the history of the rise and fall of major powers since 1500 AD, discussing the forces of nations or international power in the modern era (i.e., after the Renaissance). It traces and clarifies the interactions and rise and fall of major powers over five centuries since the establishment of "new monarchies" in Western Europe and the global trans-oceanic state system. It is needless to say that this will involve a great deal of war, especially large-scale, long-term wars carried out by major power alliances that have had a significant impact on the international order. However, this is not entirely a military history; it also traces the changes in the balance of economic power since 1500 AD. But it is not an economic history either; the focus of this book is to depict the interplay between economic and strategic factors as leading powers in the international system strive for self-improvement, economic prosperity, and military strength. It also makes predictions about the "future shape of world politics." As China prepares for its "peaceful rise" in the 21st century, this book is clearly worth reading and re-reading by the Chinese people. It is a monumental work that comprehensively discusses international politics, economics, military diplomacy, and history. The author reflects on the lessons of the rise and fall, successes and failures of major powers over the past five centuries, emphasizing that economic and technological development is the foundation of social progress and that economic power is the backing of military strength. The rise of major powers stems from economic and technological advancement, followed by military strength and expansionist foreign policy, while their decline results from the shift of the global economic production center, excessive aggression and expansion, leading to relative economic and technological stagnation. The book has a broad perspective, is rich in data, and presents compelling arguments. Since its publication in 1987, it has shaken the political and academic circles in the United States, attracting widespread attention from the international community, and has become a controversial bestseller. Paul Kennedy's The Rise and Fall of Great Powers summarizes the history of the rise and fall of major powers since 1500 AD and makes predictions about the "future shape of world politics." As China prepares for its "peaceful rise" in the 21st century, this book is clearly worth reading and re-reading by the Chinese people.
The Chinese people have long harbored ambitions of a "cosmopolitan vision." They are not overly eager to pursue China's global leadership status and do not oppose globalization led by the United States. However, in the world today, realists outnumber idealists. Realism in the field of international politics opposes political integration, is content with the current state of international anarchy, and insists on the primacy of national interests and ethnic interests. If they maintain theoretical and political dominance, the ideals of a world federation and a world government will remain distant. In this context, the rapidly rising China must prepare to take on the historical responsibility of being the "last great power" one day.
If China has the opportunity to become the "last great power" in the 21st century, it will not just be a "rise" but a "rebirth." China is different from Britain and the United States; it is a country with a long history, having experienced multiple periods of decline and rebirth. China's most recent decline was just in the 19th century. China's most recent round of rebirth was not something that only came up on the agenda in the 21st century; it is the continuation of decades of arduous efforts in the past century.