In Destined for War, the eminent Harvard scholar Graham Allison explains why Thucydides’s Trap is the best lens for understanding U.S.-China relations in the twenty-first century. Through uncanny historical parallels and war scenarios, he shows how close we are to the unthinkable. Yet, stressing that war is not inevitable, Allison also reveals how clashing powers have kept the peace in the past — and what painful steps the United States and China must take to avoid disaster today.
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The Diplomacy and International Politics Program comprises the Belfer Center’s signature projects on diplomacy and regional politics, including the Future of Diplomacy Project, the Middle East Initiative, the India and South Asia Project, and – in conjunction with the Harvard Law and Harvard Business Schools – the Secretaries of State Project. Though distinct in focus, all emphasize the essential role of diplomacy in preventing conflict and building a more secure, peaceful world. Together, these projects support research, teaching, and policy engagement for a diverse community of current and former diplomats, students, faculty, fellows, service members, and executives.