The great powers have not fought a total war among themselves since World War II. This long period of peace is unusual in the history of international politics. Have changes in the international system contributed to this? What, if any role has technology played? Have we entered a period where proxy wars between the great and regional powers have become the primary form of armed combat between them? Is it merely the product of a coincidence of interests and power that could be reversed in the future? Have civil wars replaced interstate wars? What role, if any does the security dilemma and power perceptions play?