Vasquez_Ana_Case Study #16
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California State University, Northridge *
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150
Subject
Political Science
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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Pages
2
Uploaded by MasterMusicMeerkat5
Case Study
Discussion Questions
Graham Allison, "
The Thucydides Trap"
1.
What is “Thucydides’s Trap,” according to Allison? How many cases of this conflict
dynamic has the Harvard Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs
identified? How many cases have resulted in war? How many in peace?
According to her, there is no trap. It's possible that the trap will only materialize if and
when nations make errors in their estimations. This trap refers to an occurrence that is out
of the ordinary and leads to significant conflict. Sixteen cases have been found. Only four
of the sixteen incidents resulted in actual bloodshed; the other sixteen cases ended in
peace.
2.
What are the “two key drivers” of the Thucydides Trap conflict dynamic, according
to Allison? In what ways did Athens and Sparta first illustrate these drivers?
The rising entitlement's resignation power is the first major cause. Problems may arise
when a nation or state feels its significance is growing. Saying that demand has more say
and sway would be the other crucial point. This could cause anxiety and insecurity. Later
on, this would turn into defending the status quo, jeopardizing the authority that had been
built.
3.
What other factors are insufficient to prevent war in the face of this conflict dynamic,
according to Allison? In what ways did England and Germany illustrate this
insufficiency during the build up to World War I?
Allison says it's really difficult to put an end to a conflict in these kinds of circumstances.
Twelve of the sixteen situations that resulted in war over the past 500 years. The quick
change in relative power, typically from a country that is hardly expanding, is a
significant impact. It poses a threat to the ruling state as a result. The issue arises from
this imbalance. She does, however, contend that the cause of World War One is still up
for debate. Interpretation is required.
4.
How has China’s domestic and foreign policy changed under Xi Jinping, according to
Allison? How does he characterize Xi’s call for the “China Dream”? What is Xi’s
preferred world order? Can the US and China avoid war if Xi is successful?
China aspires to have a large and influential population. Being wealthy is not always the
aim. The concept is that having power is far more significant than merely being wealthy
and unimportant. Xi aimed to revitalize the Chinese people. He achieved this by
establishing novel forms of global connections. Later on, this developed into a drawn-out
conflict over international directives.
Richard Hanania, "
There Is No Thucydides Trap Between the U.S. and China
"
1.
How does Hanania define "great powers"? What is the difference between a great
power and a "status quo power," according to Hanania?
According to him, a state considered to be a great power is one that possesses the military
might to exert its influence worldwide. Thus, the actions of great powers define them.
Inconsiderate analysis frequently views military might and goals as exogenous variables
things that states must possess or that are mandated by the rules of growth. However, a
lot of nations have prospered economically throughout history without being able or
willing to project their might militarily abroad. States do not need to face off against
other superpowers in the system if they are status quo powers, content to ensure their own
security.
2.
How does Hanania defend his claim that "countries have throughout history gained
economically without threatening the other powers of the day"? What examples does
he provide?
He demonstrates how, in the late nineteenth century, the US economy grew to become the
biggest in the world. For seventy-five years, America did not attempt to confront Great
Britain, the greatest empire of the time, on a worldwide scale, content with its zone of
influence in the Western Hemisphere. The American empire didn't start to manifest itself
in a way that is still unmistakable today until after World War II.
3.
In order to determine if the United States and China are actually in a Thucydides trap,
what two questions must first be answered, according to Hanania?
Initially, he inquires about China's goals. Then, he queries if the US can fulfill those goals
without jeopardizing its core interests.
4.
Why is China "more like a status quo power than a potential aggressor," according to
Hanania?
He demonstrates how, when American hawks discuss "Chinese imperialism," there is so
little evidence to support their claims that they can only cite to actions taken against
Taiwan and Hong Kong.The sole concern regarding these two territories—which none of
them touches on American security—is what form of government they will have. The
United States considers both of these areas to be a part of China.
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