Paul Kennedy

The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers

1. IDEA 1

   Power rests on economic strength

   Kennedy studies great powers from 1500 to the late twentieth century and argues that military power depends on economic strength. Nations that grow economically can build stronger militaries, while those whose economies weaken eventually lose influence.

2. IDEA 2

   Power is always relative

   Kennedy emphasises that rise and decline are relative: a country may grow in absolute terms but still decline if others grow faster. Changes in economic balance shift global power. Rankings shift.

3. IDEA 3

   Overstretch weakens empires

   Kennedy describes imperial overstretch, when a great power takes on more military commitments than its economy can support. This leads to decline. Commitments abroad can drain strength at home. Many empires fell.

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