Destined for War
Destined for War
Graham Allison
Walter Isaacson
When a new power arises in the world, it results in a clash with the dominant power. This important and fascinating book extracts lessons for how we can avoid such a confrontation. - Walter Isaacson
Lloyd Blankfein
Informs the moment like Guns of August did for Kennedy in [the] Cuban Missile Crisis. - Lloyd Blankfein
Elon Musk
Worth reading. - Elon Musk
Fareed Zakaria
A very smart and important book. - Fareed Zakaria
Ray Dalio
Reminds us that over the last 500 years there have been 16 times in which there has been [...] an empire challenging another. In 12 of those cases there have been wars. - Ray Dalio
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7
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Destined for War

Destined for War: Can America and China Escape Thucydides’s Trap?

Graham Allison
By
Graham Allison
4.2
604
ratings on Goodreads

In "Destined for War," Graham Allison presents a gripping analysis of the looming conflict between China and the United States, guided by the ancient concept of Thucydides's Trap. This principle, derived from the historical account of the Peloponnesian War, illustrates the inevitable tension and potential for warfare when a rising power threatens to displace an established one. Allison delves deep into this phenomenon, drawing eerie parallels between the past and the present, as China's meteoric rise sets it on a collision course with American dominance. Through a meticulously researched narrative, Allison explores the intricate dynamics of this critical international relationship, providing a comprehensive examination of how historical precedents have shaped the current geopolitical landscape. However, "Destined for War" transcends mere prophecy of doom by offering a nuanced exploration of the paths toward peace. Allison's scholarly yet accessible writing illuminates how, despite the ominous patterns of history, war is not a foregone conclusion. By examining instances where war was averted and identifying the strategic missteps and diplomatic successes of the past, Allison presents a roadmap for the United States and China. The book is an urgent call to action for leaders and citizens alike, advocating for strategic foresight, mutual understanding, and the hard choices necessary to avert disaster and foster a stable, peaceful global order.

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Released
2017
30 May
Length
384
Pages

7

recommendations

recommendation

The most timely and important book I read [in 2018]. - David Sacks
Informs the moment like Guns of August did for Kennedy in [the] Cuban Missile Crisis. - Lloyd Blankfein
Read every page… Twice. - Anthony Scaramucci
When a new power arises in the world, it results in a clash with the dominant power. This important and fascinating book extracts lessons for how we can avoid such a confrontation. - Walter Isaacson
A very smart and important book. - Fareed Zakaria
Reminds us that over the last 500 years there have been 16 times in which there has been [...] an empire challenging another. In 12 of those cases there have been wars. - Ray Dalio
Worth reading. - Elon Musk
Here we are on top of the world. We have arrived at this peak to stay there forever. There is, of course, this thing called history. But history is something unpleasant that happens to other people. —Arnold Toynbee, recalling the 1897 diamond jubilee celebration of Queen Victoria   Like other practicing historians, I am often asked what the “lessons of history” are. I answer that the only lesson I have learnt from studying the past is that there are no permanent winners and losers. —Ramachandra Guha
— Graham Allison, Destined for War

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