Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter six: "The Limits of American Internationalism—Looking Ahead"
Context: Satisfied powers are those that have reached the top of the pecking order, are happy with their lot, and are primarily interested in preserving the status quo. In contrast, rising powers are states on the move. They are not satisfied with their lot, are usually struggling for recognition and influence, and are therefore looking for ways to overturn the status quo. In general terms, satisfied states extend commitments abroad when they must, not when they can. They are motivated by necessity rather than opportunity. Rising states extend commitments abroad when they can, not when they must. They are motivated by opportunity rather than necessity.
Famous Charles A. Kupchan Quotes
From the preface to the 2002 Knopf Edition
The End of the American Era (2002)
Context: As a matter of urgency, America needs to begin to prepare itself and the rest of the world for this uncertain future. To wait until American dominance is already gone would be to squander the enormous opportunity that comes with primacy. America must devise a grand strategy for the transition to a world of multiple power centers now, while it still has the luxury of doing so. This is the central challenge of The End of the American Era.
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter two: "America's New Map of the World"
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter four: "The Rise of Europe"
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter three: "The False Promise of Globalization and Democracy"
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter six: "The Limits of American Internationalism—Looking Ahead"
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter one: "Grand Strategy and the Paradox of American Power"
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter seven: After Pax Americana
Source: The End of the American Era (2002), Chapter eight: The Rebirth of History
