Why Nations Rise

Miller's book provides an important insight into one of the most important, if not the most important, geopolitical questions of the day - the rise of China and the future of the American-led order. * Karl Yan, Zhejiang University, Journal of Chinese Political Science *
Miller's analysis proves to be superior to the more common power transition theory because she additionally explains why some rising powers employ their growing power while others do not. * Christian Tuschhoff, Politische Vierteljahresschrift [translated] *
Manjari Miller's Why Nations Rise marvelously rescues the cognitive dimensions of national ascendency from the traps of materialist determinism in contemporary theories of competitive international politics. By demonstrating that expanding material capacity is insufficient to transform a rising state into a great power, she draws attention to the importance of a conscious desire for mastery coupled with the purposeful articulation and embrace of a vision that can buttress, justify and legitimize its rise. A provocative contribution in the best sense of the word. * Ashley J. Tellis, Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace *
The rise—and fall—of great powers has been the focus of statesmen and scholars at least since Thucydides. In Why Nations Rise, Manjari Miller asks why some powers accept the existing order while others upend it. She shows that what matters is not just their power, but their narratives. As China becomes the biggest player in the history of world, Miller's study of its meteoric rise deserves close reading. * Graham Allison, Douglas Dillon Professor of Government, Harvard University *
Manjari Chatterjee Miller tells a sophisticated story about why some rising powers like China become great powers, while others like India do not. She maintains that how a states thinks about its role in the world matters as much as its material capabilities. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of the emerging multipolar international system. * John J. Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago *
In Why Nations Rise, Miller explores how rising powers become great ones. Armed with a provocative argument and comparative case studies, this book makes the case for the critical role of the narratives that states hold about what it means to be a great power and the proactive steps they take to become one. Anyone interested in power transitions should read this book. * M. Taylor Fravel, Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science, Director, Security Studies Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology *
Manjari Miller's comparison of national narratives throughout history provides unique context for the contrast of Chinese great power ambitions and Indian reticence. For scholars the inclusion of national narratives in the determination of state power is a significant contribution. For policymakers the lesson is clear: the 'India card' that matters most in the larger geopolitical equilibrium of Asia is for India to succeed on its on terms. * Michael J. Green, Senior Vice President for Asia and Japan Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies *