Meaning: Translated from the English term “Thucydides Trap,” this concept was first introduced by Harvard professor Graham Allison in 2012. He coined the term in his book “Destined for War,” alluding to the delicate situation where a rising power threatens to supplant an established one — a scenario that historically has frequently led to war. Allison drew inspiration from the ancient historian Thucydides, who believed that Sparta’s fear of Athens’ ascent was the fundamental reason behind the Peloponnesian War. Example: A: 隨著中國崛起，中美關系會陷入修昔底德陷阱嗎？ Suízhe zhōngguó juéqǐ， zhōngměi guānxì huì xiànrù xiūxīdǐdé xiànjǐng ma？ Will the ascent of China lead to Sino-American relations descending into the Thucydides Trap? B: 中國愿意遵循互相尊重、和平共處、合作共贏的原則發展中美關系，希望和美國共同跨越修昔底德陷阱。 Zhōngguó yuànyì zūnxún hùxiāng zūnzhòng、 hépíng gòngchǔ、 hézuò gòngyíng de yuánzé fāzhǎn zhōngměi guānxì， xīwàng hé měiguó gòngtóng kuàyuè xiūxīdǐdé xiànjǐng。 China is ready to cultivate bilateral relationships with the United States grounded in the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutual benefit. With concerted efforts from both sides, we can sidestep the Thucydides Trap. | 