The Tragedy Of Great Power Politics

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (2001) by John J. Mearsheimer is an influential text in international relations. Mearsheimer is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago. In this work, he emphasizes the theory of offensive realism, which holds that the largest countries in the world are inherently driven by a desire for power and security, leading them to seek dominance over other states. Mearsheimer, recognized for his knowledge in security studies and strategic theory, investigates the dynamics of major power politics in a world without a central governing authority. This work explores themes such as The Nature of the International System and State Behavior, Offensive Realism and the Imperative for Power, and The Limitations of International Institutions in Conflict Mitigation.

This guide uses the original 2001 edition published by W. W. Norton & Company.

Summary

In The Tragedy of Great Power Politics, Mearsheimer provides a comprehensive dissection of global relations through the perspective of offensive realism, a framework the author devised.