However, the use of military force has become both more expensive and less effective. At present, the nature of power and of power transitions makes military conflict between the great powers highly unlikely. Other great powers are less stable. In the post-Cold War era both Russia and China are changing unpredictably. China has signed on to the Nonproliferation Treaty.
China also participates in several regional multinational groups.
Engagement with Russia seems even more promising. Nye compares this engagement approach with the early Concert of Europe. And just as the Concert was undermined by domestic changes of its member nations, Nye warns that domestic changes within Russia or China could threaten great power stability. Regional Conflicts Regional conflicts seem more likely than great power conflicts. Regional conflicts occur when one nation attempts to establish regional hegemony.