The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers – Paul Kennedy

Title: The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers

Author: Paul Kennedy

Publisher: Random House

Edition & Year: 1987 Edition

Pages & Size: 676 pages · Hardcover · 6 × 9.5 in

Published by Random House in 1987, The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers: Economic Change and Military Conflict from 1500 to 2000 stands as one of the most influential works on international history and geopolitics. In this 676-page hardcover (measuring 6 × 9.5 inches), acclaimed historian Paul Kennedy examines the long-term interplay between economic resources, industrial capability, and military power, and how these forces determined the destinies of major states over five centuries.

Kennedy’s sweeping narrative spans the rise of Spain and the Ottoman Empire, the emergence of France and Britain as global powers, the industrial ascendancy of Germany and the United States, and the intense superpower rivalry of the 20th century. He argues that the relative decline of great nations often stems from “imperial overstretch,” when military commitments exceed their economic base.

Renowned for its clarity and scholarship, the book blends economic analysis, political history, and strategic insight, offering readers a deeper understanding of the dynamics that have shaped international order. Its themes remain highly relevant to contemporary debates on globalization, security, and the balance of power.

Whether you’re a student of history, an economist, or a general reader interested in global affairs, this volume is an indispensable resource and a classic of modern historical writing.

• Definitive study on the rise and decline of major world powers (1500–2000)

• Insightful analysis of economics, strategy, and international relations

• Written by renowned historian Paul Kennedy

• Substantial 676-page text, bound in durable hardcover (6 × 9.5 in)

• Ideal for academics, policymakers, and readers of global history