Preserving power, rather than increasing it, is the main goal of state — John Mearsheimer

"The German air offensives against British cities in World Wars I and II not only failed to coerce the United Kingdom to surrender, but Germany also lost both wars."

"In the anarchic world of international politics, it is better to be Godzilla than Bambi."

"The cycle of violence will continue far into the new millennium. Hopes for peace will probably not be realized, because the great that shape the international system fear each other and compete for power as a result. Indeed, their ultimate aim is to gain a position of dominant power over others, because having dominant power is the best means to ensure ones own survival."

"...If China continues to rise, you better be very careful, because that will drive the United States stark raving crazy...."

"In the 1930s, Adolf Hitler believed that his great-power rivals would be easy to exploit and isolate because each had little interest in fighting Germany and instead was determined to get someone else to assume the burden. He guessed right."

"The most dangerous states in the international system are continental powers with large armies."