The number and arrangement of Great Powers in the international system condition the strategic environment and frame the policy choices made by these powerful rivals seeking to maximize individual wealth, influence, and security in conditions of uncertainty and anarchy.6 Less powerful states retain agency to seek wealth, influence, and security, bu

Today, the United States, China, and Russia fit this Great Power description. However, the triangular Great Power structure is not durable.5 One of these Great Powers could decline precipitously and fall from status, thereby altering the structure of global power distribution from three Great Powers to two or even one. Alternatively, another state

Great Power competition describes the dominant feature of the geostrategic environment. It informs strategic options but is not policy-prescriptive.4 Throughout history, Great Powers have displayed three conspicuous attributes. They have unusual capabilities in comparison with other states and use these capabilities to pursue broad and sustained po