Thucydides Trap

Thucydides Trap is a term used to describe a situation where a rising power threatens to displace an established power, leading to tension and potential conflict. Originating from the ancient historian Thucydides, who noted that the fear of a rising Athens caused Sparta to go to war, the concept suggests that the inevitable friction between these powers can often lead to war. In contemporary discussions, it helps explain the dynamics between nations like the United States and China, highlighting how the struggle for dominance can escalate into rivalry or even military confrontation.