The Tragedy of Great Power Politics

from RickGeissal

It was worth reading this non-fiction explanation of how countries act towards one another, but the author spends a lot of time telling us what his theory is, over and over. There is certainly enough information to make it a valuable book, but I did not like the style.

from awils1

If only it were that simple - checks and balances leading to feelings of oppression and eventual power-play. A worthy read, but definitely not the only answer.

from brleach

Mearsheimer's writing is extremely clear and his arguments are assertively made. However, he cherry-picks from the historical record and distorts even the examples he chooses to make his point. Even conceding that he's right about state behavior during WWII (which he isn't), he is incapable of co...

from jcvogan1

Very clearly written, almost too much so. Argues that the international system is inherently unstable do to constant quest for power, which is driven by survival instinct and fear of other states. Argues that unbalanced multipolar systems are far and away the most unstable and are likely to very ...

from Oceanwings07

Mearsheimer takes the "offensive realist" approach, that in an unstable, anarchic world, countries will do what is necessary to a. maintain the balance of power, and b. gain any additional power they are able to. For each claim of offensive realism, Mearsheimer goes great lengths to back it up wi...