Editorial 15(1) 2019

Abstract

Changes in contemporary geopolitics has resulted in increased chance for conflict. This situation has opened the space for historians to provide critical insights by looking at the roots and similarities with past conflicts. The trade war launched by the US president Donald Trump against the People's Republic of China provides credibility to some in the international relations circle toward the theory of Thuycidides trap. This theory states that the rise of a new power and the decline of an old one almost always result in conflict that is manifested through war. The last time a Thuycidides trap appeared was during the period of decline of the British Empire from its hegemonic position and the opening chance to new powers to reach that hegemonic post. The rise of Germany, Japan and the United States resulted in the heightening chance of conflict that resulted in a Thuycidides trap manifested through the First and Second World War. Of course, there are significant difference to contemporary position regarding China and the US. The major challenger to America's hegemony appeared to be solely the Chinese. British challenge during the early 20 th century was more varied. Aside from that, the transition from British to the US is a shift from societies with similar culture and institutions, but the transition from the US to China is a very different and significant shift since the rise of Europe as a global power. It the transition occur, this would become the first time since the rise of the West that a global hegemony would be concentrated in a nonwestern power. How historians could give a nuanced and critical outlook on this Thuycidides trap would be very useful for people around the world that now have to traverse an ocean of potential violence and war.