Thucydides's trap? : historical interpretation, logic of inquiry, and the future of Sino-American relations / Steve Chan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Chan, Steve, author.

Contributor:

Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), issuing body.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

War--Causes.

War.

International relations.

China--Relations--United States.

China.

United States--Relations--China.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (268 pages)

Place of Publication:

Ann Arbor, Michigan : University of Michigan Press, 2020.

Summary:

Thucydides's Trap has been in vogue recently. It refers to the Peloponnesian War fought by Athens and Spartan, a war that was ostensibly caused by the fear that a rising Athens had caused in Sparta. It warns that history may repeat itself as contemporary China increases its power relative to the U.S. How enlightening -- or misleading -- is an analogy based on the ancient Greek world of some 2,500 years ago for understanding contemporary international relations? How accurate is the depiction of history of other large armed conflicts, such as the two world wars, as a challenge mounted by a rising power to challenge and displace an incumbent hegemon? This book offers a critique of the historical interpretations and logic of analysis underpinning the claims of Thucydides's Trap and power-transition theory, and it examines past instances of peaceful accommodation for lessons that can ease the frictions in ongoing Sino-American relations.

Contents:

Appraising Thucydides's Trap

Evaluating Power-Transition Theory

Investigating Two Critical Cases

Unraveling Operation Barbarossa and Pearl Harbor

Gauging China's Power

Discerning China's Intentions

Filling in the Gaps

Adjusting for Status

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on information from the publisher.

ISBN:

9780472126378

0472126377

OCLC:

1107991396