--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Great powers that have no reason to fight…" description: "\"Great powers that have no reason to fight with each other, but are merely concerned with their own survival, nevertheless have little choice but to pur..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81f/john-mearsheimer-3817_fight_great-powers-that-have-no-reason-to-figh_374861.jpg" --- # Great powers that have no reason to fight with each other… ![“Great powers that have no reason to fight with each other, but are merely concerned with their own survival, nevertheless have little choice but to pursue power and seek to dominate the other states in the system.” quote by John Mearsheimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81f/john-mearsheimer-3817_fight_great-powers-that-have-no-reason-to-figh_374861.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81f/john-mearsheimer-3817_fight_great-powers-that-have-no-reason-to-figh_374861.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/81f/john-mearsheimer-3817_fight_great-powers-that-have-no-reason-to-figh_374861.jpg) > “Great powers that have no reason to fight with each other, but are merely concerned with their own survival, nevertheless have little choice but to pursue power and seek to dominate the other states in the system.” [John Mearsheimer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-mearsheimer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Great powers, driven by survival, inevitably seek dominance, even without direct conflict. **In simple terms:** Survival pushes states to dominate. Key Takeaway Recognize power dynamics in diplomacy. Themes international relations power politics security dilemma Mood analytical cautious Type political strategic When to use this quote - diplomatic negotiations - military strategy - regional conflicts - policy making Key Concepts balance of power realpolitik Questions to Reflect On - How can states cooperate despite survival instincts? - What limits exist on power pursuits? A Different Perspective Moral considerations may be sidelined by strategic aims. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Dominate States](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/dominate-states-3412018/) [Fight](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight/) [Fight Merely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fight-merely-1010444/) [Great](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great/) [Great Powers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/great-powers-311267/) [Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/power/) [Powers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/powers/) [Pursue Power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pursue-power-3412019/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Survival](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/survival/) ## Related quotes > [“Idols of power, then, are not only for the powerful. 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