Cycles of general war in world history

Matthew Melko

International Interactions, 1999, vol. 25, issue 3, 287-299

Abstract: Scholars who have studied general war tend to agree that there is at least a rough cycle to be discerned. A general war ends with the establishment of a hegemonic power that plays a major role in reducing conflict within the international system. Eventually the hegemon is challenged by a rising power and this challenge leads to another general war in which either the hegemon defends its position, the rising power replaces it, or a third power replaces both. A study of general wars in ten civilizations suggests that in 38 cases examined, the model suggested above was found only three times, twice in Western Civilization. In various combinations, six factors intervened to modify the cycle or prevent its occurrence. The study suggests that the idea of a functional, long‐term cycle culminating in general war may need further examination.

Date: 1999
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DOI: 10.1080/03050629908434953

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