Great-power war is not unique to the twentieth century. Long-cycle theorists assert that a rhythmic pattern of war and world leadership change has existed for the past five hundred years. Long-cycle theory is disarmingly simple, and for this reason it is not without its critics. Write an essay in which you critically evaluate long-cycle theory as a tool for understanding world politics

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Rivalry between great powers has long characterized world politics. As Toynbee
suggested, there is a strong probability that this historical pattern is cyclical. Longcycle theory elaborates on this understanding of world politics and provides a
framework for our analysis of evolving great power rivalries. According to long-cycle
theory (see Chapter 7 for further discussion), transitions in world leadership unfold
through a series of distinct phases where periods of global war are followed by
relatively stable periods of international rule making and institution building (see Table
4.1). Shifts in the cycle have occurred alongside changes in the major states' relative
power, changing their relations with one another (see Chase-Dunn and Anderson,
2005). Over the past five centuries, each global war has led to the emergence of a
hegemon. With its unrivaled power, the hegemon has reshaped the rules and
institutions of the global system to preserve its preeminent position.