Ascending Order: Rising Powers and the Politics of Status in International Institutions

Rising powers often challenge and support international orders that enable and constrain their growth. Ascending Order examines how international institutions shape these powers' choices, with open membership rules and fair decision-making procedures fostering equality and cooperation, while exclusion and unfairness can lead to conflict. The book explores these dynamics in three cases and emphasizes the importance of international institutions addressing rising powers' status ambitions for the future of contemporary international order.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 351 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Ascending Order is a groundbreaking book that delves into the complex dynamics of conflict and cooperation among emerging powers as they navigate the global arena. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of how international institutions shape the choices of these rising states as they strive for equal status with established powers. It explores the interplay between open membership rules, fair decision-making procedures, and the potential for equality and cooperation, as well as the consequences of exclusion and unfairness.

Through a detailed examination of three case studies, the book sheds light on these dynamics. The first case study examines the United States and the maritime laws of war in the mid-nineteenth century, highlighting how the establishment of international institutions played a crucial role in shaping the country's approach to warfare. The second case study focuses on Japan and naval arms control in the interwar period, examining how the League of Nations and other international organizations influenced Japan's military buildup and its pursuit of naval dominance. The third case study examines India and nuclear non-proliferation in the Cold War, exploring how the United Nations and other international organizations attempted to balance India's nuclear ambitions with the need for global nuclear disarmament.

The book's findings are significant as they highlight the future of contemporary international order. It argues that the ability of international institutions to address the status ambitions of rising powers such as China and India will play a critical role in shaping the future of the global political landscape. The book emphasizes the need for these institutions to be inclusive, transparent, and accountable, ensuring that the interests of all states are represented and that decisions are made based on fair and objective criteria.

In conclusion, Ascending Order is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of emerging powers and the role of international institutions in shaping their choices and actions. The book offers a valuable insight into the future of contemporary international order and the challenges that lie ahead.

ISBN-13: 9781009186797