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

In an ideal world, where there are only good states, power would be largely irrelevant.

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

Important benefits often accrue to states that behave in an unexpected way.

Great powers must be forever vigilant and never subordinate survival to any other goal, including prosperity.

The ideal situation for any state is to experience sharp economic growth while its rivals' economies grow slowly or hardly at all.

States care about relative wealth, because economic might is the foundation of military might.