“The Tragedy of Great Power Politics” by John J. Mearsheimer presents the theory of offensive realism in international relations. Mearsheimer argues that great powers are inherently driven by the desire to dominate the international system, as the international structure compels them to pursue power for survival. In this anarchic system, where no central authority exists to enforce rules, states must rely on self-help and maximize their power to ensure security, often leading to conflict. Mearsheimer contends that this competition for dominance leads to a tragic cycle of power struggles, making sustained peace unlikely. The book focuses on how historical great powers, including the U.S., have behaved and why conflict is an unavoidable part of international relations, challenging more optimistic theories that emphasize cooperation and diplomacy.