Who was Thucydides, the ancient Greek general referenced by Carney and Xi?

This article explores the renewed political relevance of Thucydides, the ancient Greek general and historian, following recent references by Chinese President Xi Jinping and former Prime Minister Mark Carney. During a summit in Beijing with U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi questioned whether China and the United States could transcend the 'Thucydides trap,' a concept popularized by Graham Allison describing the inevitable conflict when a rising power challenges a ruling hegemon. Similarly, Carney cited Thucydides at the World Economic Forum in Davos to highlight the fading rules-based global order. The text details Thucydides' background as the author of the 'History of the Peloponnesian War,' noting his rational, scientific approach to history that distinguishes him as a foundational figure in political realism. Experts explain that his work remains pertinent today as it analyzes power dynamics between Athens and Sparta, offering a lens through which modern leaders view the strategic rivalry between China and the United States. The article underscores how ancient historical analysis is being used to frame contemporary geopolitical strategies and diplomatic discussions.