Description
Rivalry among major powers is again a critical element of world politics making the world more uncertain. According to international society theory, the standing of great powers does not just flow from military strength. Hedley Bull’s bold contention that great powers together form an institution of international society is both innovative and challenging. Is rivalry among great powers tolerable in international society? This paper addresses three broad questions based on international society theory: What makes great powers great? Is international society possible without great powers? What are the normative consequences of great power rivalry? The paper concludes that international society is necessary for great powers to exist but that great powers are not necessary for international society. Based on this conclusion two contrasting perspectives on great power rivalry are sketched out. One that the fear of losing status eventually leads great powers to taking collective responsibility for international order. The other that the best long-term strategy is a gradual phasing out of great powers reducing the room for power manoeuvring and hence lessening the appetite for potential great powers.
