Why didn't the United States act sooner to counter China's rise? This compelling book unpacks a key puzzle in post-Cold War foreign policy, arguing that a permissive international environment--not just domestic politics--shaped US inaction.

At the turn of the 21st century, a relatively peaceful order and the prioritization of economic concerns gave space for strategic hesitation, while a foreign-policy consensus was undermined by divided perceptions of China's intentions. In explaining these dynamics, Michiel Foulon introduces a powerful new theory of grand strategy change which offers fresh insight into how global conditions influence decision-making. Essential reading for scholars of international relations, security studies and anyone seeking to understand the shifting balance of power in the today's world.