Fragile rise : grand strategy and the fate of Imperial Germany, 1871-1914 /
Xu, Qiyu,1974-author.
Hill, Joshua,1977-translator.
"In Fragile Rise, Xu Qiyu offers a Chinese perspective on the course of German grand strategy in the decades before World War I. He traces the evolution of Germany's strategic choices from the era of Bismarck to the July Crisis. Xu shows how Germany's diplomatic blunders turned its growing power into a liability instead of an asset. Bismarck's successors provoked tension and conflict with the other European great powers. Germany's attempts to build a powerful navy alienated Britain. Fearing an assertive Germany, France and Russia formed an alliance, leaving the declining Austro-Hungarian Empire as Germany's only major ally. Xu's account demonstrates that better strategy and statesmanship could have made a difference--both for Germany and for Europe. His analysis offers important lessons for the leaders of China and other countries. Fragile Rise reminds us that the emergence of a new great power creates risks that can be managed only by adroit diplomats, including the leaders of the emerging power. In the twenty-first century, another great war may not be inevitable. Heeding the lessons of Fragile Rise could make it even less likely."--Provided by publisher.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 293-327) and index.
A low-profile rise -- "Active shaping" and the foundation of a grand strategy -- Working to maintain the grand strategy -- Entering the post-Bismarckian era -- Institutions, society, popular opinion, and grand strategy -- From Weltpolitik to encirclement -- An obsession with command of the seas -- The Schlieffen Plan and the retreat of grand strategy -- Crisis management on the path to war, 1908-1914.
"In Fragile Rise, Xu Qiyu offers a Chinese perspective on the course of German grand strategy in the decades before World War I. He traces the evolution of Germany's strategic choices from the era of Bismarck to the July Crisis. Xu shows how Germany's diplomatic blunders turned its growing power into a liability instead of an asset. Bismarck's successors provoked tension and conflict with the other European great powers. Germany's attempts to build a powerful navy alienated Britain. Fearing an assertive Germany, France and Russia formed an alliance, leaving the declining Austro-Hungarian Empire as Germany's only major ally. Xu's account demonstrates that better strategy and statesmanship could have made a difference--both for Germany and for Europe. His analysis offers important lessons for the leaders of China and other countries. Fragile Rise reminds us that the emergence of a new great power creates risks that can be managed only by adroit diplomats, including the leaders of the emerging power. In the twenty-first century, another great war may not be inevitable. Heeding the lessons of Fragile Rise could make it even less likely."--Provided by publisher.
Geopolitics
Balance of power
Strategy