ABSTRACT
Writing about a period that is in progress, at once yesterday, today and tomorrow, poses many problems, not least those of significance and sympathy. Moreover, the future becomes present and can readily upset the analysis. Will the American-led clash with radical Islamic fundamentalism, for example, be no more than an interlude, before great power confrontation revives with China challenging American interests over Taiwan and more generally? Are Iran’s nuclear ambitions to lead to conflict and, if so, with who – Israel alone or the USA also – and with what results? This chapter invites readers to speculate and to advance their own priorities for discussion as they consider the evidence of the continued variety and prominence of conflict.
