The Return of Great Power Rivalry: Democracy versus Autocracy from the Ancient World to the U.S. and China

The book "The Return of Great Power Rivalry" argues that democracies have unique economic, diplomatic, and military advantages in long-run geopolitical competitions, outweighing autocratic advantages. It provides an optimistic assessment of the future of American global leadership and advocates for a hard-power argument for democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The United States of America has held the position of the world's most powerful nation for over seven decades, but recent developments in international politics have raised concerns about its future global leadership. The U.S. National Security Strategy has identified great power competition with Russia and China as the greatest threat to U.S. national security. Analysts predict that America's autocratic rivals may succeed in disrupting and potentially displacing U.S. global leadership.

In his book, "The Return of Great Power Rivalry," Matthew Kroenig challenges this conventional wisdom. Drawing on a vast array of historical evidence and insights from renowned thinkers such as Herodotus, Machiavelli, and Montesquieu, Kroenig argues that democracies tend to excel in great power rivalries. He presents compelling evidence that democracies possess unique economic, diplomatic, and military advantages that can endure over the long term. Kroenig also acknowledges the potential advantages of autocratic regimes but emphasizes their vulnerabilities.

Through a detailed analysis of seven significant cases of democratic-versus-autocratic rivalries throughout history, from ancient times to the Cold War, Kroenig demonstrates how democracies have consistently outperformed autocracies. He analyzes the new era of great power rivalry between the United States, Russia, and China through the lens of the democratic advantage argument, highlighting how democracies are better positioned to maintain a global leadership role.

Kroenig's book offers a refreshing perspective on power in international politics and provides an optimistic assessment about the future of American global leadership. By advancing a hard-power argument for democracy, Kroenig challenges the notion that autocratic regimes are inherently more stable or effective in the long run. Instead, he advocates for a more democratic and inclusive approach to international relations, which can foster stability, cooperation, and prosperity.

In conclusion, "The Return of Great Power Rivalry" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges the prevailing narrative about the future of global power. By presenting compelling evidence for the democratic advantage, Kroenig offers a roadmap for the United States to maintain its position as a global leader in the face of mounting challenges. It is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of international relations.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197621233