Peaceful Twilight: Grand Strategy for a Power in Relative Decline
Abstract
This study investigates the nature of the relative decline of the US and explores the policy implications for US grand strategy. A confluence of internal and external factors including weak economic growth, escalating military costs, and the rise of non-Western states, such as China and India, suggest that the economic costs of maintaining a dominant position in the international order are rising faster than the economic capacity of the United States to support the status quo. Historically, major powers faced with the prospect of decline have not responded well in the face of rising challengers. The fear of ultimate decline and the perceived erosion of power have often caused insecure and declining powers to precipitate great wars.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1015748
Entities
People
- Frank A. Theising
Organizations
- School of Advanced Air and Space Studies