The central tenet of the political theory called "offensive realism" is that each state seeks to ensure its survival by maximizing its share of world power. The author sets out to explain, defend and validate offensive realism as the only theory to account for how states actually behave. He proceeds by laying out the theory and its assumptions, then extensively tests the theory against the historical record since the Age of Napoleon. He finds plenty of eveidence of what the theory predicts that states seek regional dominance through military strenght. He also reflects on the prospect for peace in Europe and Northeast Asia, the areas of primary strategic interest to the United States.
