The Role of Strategy in Great Power Decline

Authors

Peter J. Woolley

Abstract

The transformation of world order is commonly linked to the decline of one or more great powers and the rise of others. The cause of the decline of great powen and the rise of their successon is of special interest to social scientists and othen who seek to identify patterns in history. It is also of interest to attentive citizens and to policy maken who wish to avoid what are perceived to be the mistakes of the past. Therefore, analyses of great-power decline must eventually focus on more than economic mega-trends, abstract models, or mere correlations as explanations for decline, else there be scant room for policy prescription and little to be harvested for the use of either statesmen or citizens.

Recommended Citation

Woolley, Peter J. (1996) "The Role of Strategy in Great Power Decline," Naval War College Review: Vol. 49: No. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol49/iss1/3