Can the augmentation of power be a bad thing for nations? The analysis in the subsequent pages of this study answers that question in the affirmative. Embracing the idea of a power curse, I argue that while the augmentation of power has obvious advantages and benefits, it also possesses inherent qualities that can weaken nations. And in the long run, these inherent weakening effects of power can generate the seeds of its own destruction. To the extent that nations fail to take account of, and correct for, these weakening effects, they are destined to become victims of power illusion: i.e., in reality they are weaker and more vulnerable then they believe. In this latter respect, it is unfortunately the case that the effects of the power curse are so ingrained and compelling that there is a strong tendency for such illusion to manifest itself even in the case of highly sensitized and enlightened national leaders. In other words, the power curse is hard to beat.