ABSTRACT
Ever since researchers projected the rise of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, 1 experts have been considering the possible consequences that such a dramatic redistribution of power might have. On the one hand, prior redistributions of economic capabilities have been associated with the most terrible wars in modern history. 2 On the other hand, there are several important reasons to think we may handle political change differently this time. Let me sketch out why the future may be parallel to earlier transitions in world politics, but also suggest why the future may be unique, before I elaborate some of the ways US foreign policy may manage or influence change.
