John Mearsheimer: Great Powers, U.S. Hegemony, and the Rise of China — #13

Structural realism dictates that great powers, operating in an anarchic international system, are inherently driven to maximize their power to ensure security, ultimately seeking regional hegemony. John Mearsheimer, a leading proponent of this school, argues that the United States’ post-Cold War pursuit of liberal hegemony—characterized by interventionist social engineering—has frequently resulted in strategic fiascos, such as the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. While the U.S. has historically acted as a ruthless hegemon to prevent peer competitors in Europe, the current geopolitical focus has shifted toward Asia. China’s economic and military rise poses a unique challenge, as it seeks to dominate its own region and displace American influence. Unlike the declining power of Russia, China’s potential to become a regional hegemon necessitates a U.S.-led balancing coalition, signaling an era of intense, long-term security competition.