Still Ours to Lead: America, Rising Powers, and the Tension between Rivalry and Restraint

When is America's time as leader of the free world up? This is the question on the minds of many Americans and non-Americans alike, and the answer according to Jones in his convincing new book is not as soon you think. Jones, director of the International Order and Strategy project at the Brookings Intuition, argues that America is currently on top and, as possessor of the world's largest economy, owner of the denomination of the global reserve currency, in a position that is tough to topple. Jones analyzes the positions of emerging powers, focusing mainly on Brazil, India, China, and sometimes Russia, and identifies a mindset behind them which involves a constant balance between rivalry and restraint. He puts forth reasonable and realistic reasons why their takeover(s) is approaching but not imminent. Like it or not, Jones evenhandedly points out, the nations of the world whether current powers, emerging powers or declining powers are interconnected through trade, economy, geopolitics, fuel energy, threat of terrorism, climate control, and a myriad of other shared interests, so no one on the top or the bottom is positioned to rock the international waters. The result is an interesting, relevant, and accessible read. (Feb.)