The Asian Ascent: Opportunity for Peace or Precondition for War?

Demographic and social scientific research suggests, with near certainty, that by the end of this century, the two Asian giants, China and India, will have surpassed the United States on certain key indicators of national power. The implications for the future of world politics are profound, but the outcomes are not predetermined. If the coming power transition is managed wisely, there is an opportunity for continued peace among the Great Powers. If the transition proceeds confrontationally, as many have in the past, a serious global conflict is in the offing. There is much that policy makers can do to avoid the most threatening potential outcomes.