Brendan Simms

“more than five centuries of geopolitical history”

“approximately half a millennium ago”

“four permanent members were Britain, France, Italy, and Japan”

“five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council”

“Beijing superseding Taipei in 1971”

“the 1814-15 Vienna Settlement”

“the “pentarchy” of the 18th century”

“the victorious “grand alliance,” or “big three” coalition, of World War II”

“30 minutes”

“today’s exclusive quartet of great powers”

“France, India, Japan, Germany, and the European Union”

“two modern aircraft carriers”

“the years 2017 and 2018”