Why Nations Rise: Narratives and the Path to Great Power Book Review

  • Why Nations Rise: Narratives and the Path to Great Power by Manjari Chatterjee Miller offers a thoughtful and original perspective on why some countries successfully become great powers, while others with similar economic and military strength do not. Rather than focusing solely on material factors like wealth, military hardware, or geopolitical position, Miller emphasizes the crucial role of national narratives (the stories and ideas countries tell about their rise, identity, and role in the world).

  • Miller argues that these narratives are more than just rhetoric; they are essential tools for legitimizing a country’s ambitions both domestically and internationally. A strong, coherent narrative helps build consensus at home and earns recognition abroad, smoothing the path to great power status. Conversely, countries that fail to craft or consistently promote such narratives often remain stuck as "rising" or "emerging" powers without fully arriving on the world stage.

  • One of Miller’s key contributions is the distinction between “active” and “reticent” rising powers. Active rising powers deliberately construct and promote narratives that align with global norms and expectations, thereby gaining acceptance and influence. Reticent rising powers, on the other hand, either fail to develop such narratives or do so inconsistently, which limits their ability to convert material strength into lasting power and prestige.

  • The book draws on detailed historical and contemporary case studies to illustrate this dynamic:

  • The United States crafted a compelling narrative centered on democratic expansion, Manifest Destiny, and global leadership. This narrative linked America’s growing material power with a moral mission, presenting its rise as a positive force for global progress and justice. This helped the U.S. gain both domestic unity and international legitimacy.

  • China today exemplifies an active rising power. Its leaders have skillfully developed a narrative of national rejuvenation, peaceful rise, and responsible global leadership. Initiatives like the Belt and Road reflect this story, portraying China as a central player in global development and governance.

  • In contrast, India is portrayed as a reticent rising power. Despite its significant economic and military growth, India’s narrative remains cautious and ambiguous. Its historical commitment to non-alignment, focus on moral leadership, and emphasis on strategic autonomy have resulted in a less assertive story about its global role, which limits its international influence.

  • The Netherlands in the 17th century and Cold War Japan offer historical examples of reticence. Both had impressive material capabilities but lacked a clear, coherent narrative about their global leadership roles, which contributed to their relative decline or limited influence.

  • Miller’s analysis highlights that power transitions are not just about tangible assets like military strength or economic size. They are deeply tied to perception, legitimacy, and storytelling. Rising powers must not only grow stronger but also convince others—and themselves—that they deserve a place at the top of the international order. This involves adopting and promoting norms and values that the current system respects, at least initially, before seeking to reshape those rules.

  • The book also raises interesting questions about how different political systems affect narrative construction. Miller suggests that democratic countries, with their diverse populations and competing voices, may find it harder to create unified, coherent narratives compared to more centralized authoritarian states. This has important implications for how democracies pursue great power status in a complex, multipolar world.

  • In the final chapters, Miller discusses the future of global power transitions, emphasizing that rising powers today compete not only through military or economic means but also through narrative competition, contesting whose vision of global order will prevail. Skillful storytelling, she argues, can ease tensions and allow multiple powers to coexist, while conflicting narratives risk exacerbating rivalries.

  • In summary: Manjari Chatterjee Miller’s Why Nations Rise shows that becoming a great power requires more than just material strength. It demands a compelling, consistent narrative that legitimizes a country’s ambitions and role in the world. Countries that master both their capabilities and their stories are more likely to succeed, while those that hesitate or fail to tell their story risk remaining on the sidelines of global power.

  • 10/10 - Must Read!

  • Book Link: https://academic.oup.com/book/39353


CSSSA Writing Vlog Coming Soon!

Next
Next

Gettin’ Real With Dailyist - EP. 1: teenage dream