From Peace to Power: Insights from Dr. Dale Copeland’s Groundbreaking Book

Prof. Dale Copeland, Professor of International Relations at the University of Virginia, and a leading expert on the origins of great power economic and military conflict, as well as U.S.-China strategic competition shares valuable insights from his book “A World Safe for Commerce: American Foreign Policy from the Revolution to the Rise of China.” This episode explores how U.S. foreign policy has long been shaped by the need to secure trade vital to national security. Dale Copeland argues that while commerce can promote peace, it can also drive conflict when access to key goods is threatened. Tracing U.S. history from the 18th century to today, he shows how fears over trade disruptions have repeatedly led American leaders from cooperation to confrontation. The book warns of growing U.S.-China tensions but also suggests that improving trade expectations could still pave the way for lasting peace. Professor Copeland’s research explores the complex dynamics of international relations, with particular emphasis on the origins of economic interdependence between great powers, the logic of reputation-building, bargaining and coercion theory, the interplay between trade, finance, and militarized behavior, and how shifts in economic and military power influence state behavior. Professor Copeland is the author of The Origins of Major War (Cornell University Press) and many influential articles published in leading journals such as International Security, Security Studies, and the Review of International Studies. His book, Economic Interdependence and War published by Princeton University Press received the International Studies Association Best Book Award in 2017. Prof. Copeland earned his Ph.D., from the University of Chicago and has received numerous honors for his work, including MacArthur and Mellon Fellowships, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University. This podcast is brought to you by Global Management Consultancy. For more information, please visit www.globalmanagementconsultancy.com. Disclaimer: A. The background music used in this video is the property of its respective developer and is protected by Copyright. Although it is a free version, Business Talk, Global Management Consultancy and Deepak Bhatt do not hold the rights to this music. B. Dr. Dale Copeland has generously shared profound insights from his groundbreaking book, “A World Safe for Commerce: American Foreign Policy from the Revolution to the Rise of China,” during his appearance on the Business Talk podcast channel. The uploaded video contains copyrighted material; therefore, any modifications to graphics, music, or the presence of the author or host are strictly prohibited. All content is © 2025. All rights reserved.