What is ‘a Great Power

Bibliographic Data

ID6345528
AuthorsG R Berridge (University of Leicester), John W Young (University of Leicester)
Year1988
Volume36
Issue2
Pages224-234
Publication date1988-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0032-3217 • E-ISSN: 1467-9248
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/j.1467-9248.1988.tb00226.x
OpenAlexW2004210544
LanguageEN
Citations received10

This article rejects the idea that a great power requires formal recognition or ‘general interests' or an inclination to ‘responsible’ behaviour. Contrary to Martin Wight, it also rejects the view that the demonstration of great military power in war is either a necessary or a sufficient condition of being a great power. It also denies, contrary to William T. R. Fox, that an ability to ‘project’ power worldwide is a necessary condition of being a great power (though it would, of course, be sufficient). On the basis of an investigation of the historical great powers, this article concludes that a great power is one whose reputation for existing or latent military strength may be equalled but not significantly surpassed by that of any other power

China · Great power · Law and economics · Political science · Power (physics · Reputation · Sociology · Global Peace and Security Dynamics · Law · Military History and Strategy

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub