Publication

This analysis reviews the often-cited reasons for the outbreak of WWI in Europe and evaluates whether they can help shape our understanding of the security challenges East Asia faces today. It concludes that only one interpretation fits both situations -- i.e., the rise of a single power - Germany in 1914 and China in 2014 - that sought (and seeks) to establish its dominance and hegemonic influence over others. The analysis then closes by discussing the conditions that might lead to improved security in East Asia in light of this comparison.