John Mearsheimer - System Quotes

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The cycle of violence will continue far into the new millennium. Hopes for peace will probably not be realized, because the great that shape the international system fear each other and compete for power as a result. Indeed, their ultimate aim is to gain a position of dominant power over others, because having dominant power is the best means to ensure one's own survival.

John Mearsheimer

The most dangerous states in the international system are continental powers with large armies.

John Mearsheimer

The optimists' claim that security competition and war among the great powers has been burned out of the system is wrong. In fact all of the major states around the globe still care deeply about the balance of power among themselves for the foreseeable future.

John Mearsheimer

In short, unbalanced bipolar systems are so unstable that they cannot last for any appreciable period of time.

John Mearsheimer