The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers

Summary of Book: Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is a powerful historical account of the rise and fall of such great powers as the Roman Empire, the Ming Dynasty, the Ottoman Empire, the Mogul Empire, the Empire of Japan, and the fall of the Habsburgs and the rise of France, British, Russian, Austrian and Prussian influence. Kennedy argues that each of these empires fell...more

Summary of Book: Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is a powerful historical account of the rise and fall of such great powers as the Roman Empire, the Ming Dynasty, the Ottoman Empire, the Mogul Empire, the Empire of Japan, and the fall of the Habsburgs and the rise of France, British, Russian, Austrian and Prussian influence. Kennedy argues that each of these empires fell because of being overextended and eventually could not defend their economic interests or sustain their military dominance. Kennedy discusses the rise of the European Union, China, and Japan which has curtailed the economic dominance of the United States. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the United States became a sole super-power, but Kennedy warns that the United States faces the same fate as previous empires if they continue to overextend themselves. Although the United States may be seen as an economic power today, Kennedy reveals that it must be considered that the United States has changed from being the world’s largest creditor nation, to being the world’s largest debtor nation. Discussion Section: The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is a powerful historical account of the rise and fall of empires that will give students a great global history of western civilization, war, and world political and economic institutions. Kennedy also offers a great tool that may inspire students to ask and answer questions that are not found in contemporary textbooks. We are facing challenging times. Kennedy may feel that the current economic crisis facing the globe may change power and influence that has been dominated by the Untied States since WWII. It is important for students to be informed in order to analyze past events and relate them to current global institutions and contemporary affairs.   hide

One of the most thorough and prescient treatments of the relative rise and fall of great powers over a 500 year period, this book has clear and alarming implications for issues facing America in the present day.

Ein echter Klassiker von Historiker & Yale-Prof. Paul Kennedy

Best economic description of power I've ever seen.