The Tragedy of Great Power Politics (Mearsheimer)

The Tragedy of Great Power Politics by John Mearsheimer argues that major nations constantly seek to maximize their military power to ensure security. Because no single country can ever be fully secure, they engage in an ongoing struggle for dominance, leading to rivalry and conflict. This pursuit of power is driven by the anarchic international system—lacking a central authority—causing states to prioritize their own interests. As a result, great powers may inadvertently provoke tensions and wars, understanding that their security depends on becoming the strongest, which often leads to persistent instability and competition.