S2E6: Contemplating US Defeat in A Modern Conflict with China

In *The Pursuit of Power*, William H. McNeill explores how technological advancements and military innovations have shaped societies across Europe and Asia from 1000 to the 20th century. The book examines how these developments influenced the rise and fall of empires and the evolution of warfare, highlighting the complex relationships between military power, economic systems, and societal structures.

In this book, Paul Kennedy examines the historical patterns of the rise and fall of great powers, including Greece, Rome, Spain, France, Germany, and England. He argues that the strength of a great power is relative to other powers and correlates strongly with available resources and economic durability. Kennedy introduces the concept of 'imperial overstretch,' where military commitments become unsustainable once a power loses its economic competitive edge. The book also predicts the decline of the United States and the Soviet Union and the rise of Japan and China, based on their economic and military strategies[2][5][6].

2034: A Novel of the Next World War is a cautionary tale that explores the dangerous realities of geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China. The novel depicts a future where a miscalculation leads to a catastrophic war, highlighting themes of human folly and miscalculation. It received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal and engaging characters.