How Louis Xiv Survived His Hegemonic Bid

Why do some great powers survive their hegemonic bids, while others lose everything? France’s Louis XIV stands out among modern aspiring hegemons as the only one to leave his country intact, even larger than he found it. Similar to other potential hegemons, Louis fought general wars he failed to win decisively. But Louis would often negotiate peace from a position of strength while other aspiring hegemons generally fought to the finish, thus solidifying uncompromising balancing coalitions. This eagerness to pursue peace from a position of strength mollified opposing coalitions and allowed France to extract some gains, however limited. This book helps us understand how wars with today’s aspiring hegemons could end.