Strategy Without Hubris: How China Rose by Managing America’s Reaction

Oriana Skylar Mastro's book 'Upstart: How China Became a Great Power' examines why China's dramatic rise over three decades did not trigger earlier U.S. containment despite expanding economic weight, military modernization, and diplomatic influence. The article explores how China managed to rise gradually while avoiding decisive pushback from the United States, which remained economically engaged while its alliances remained unmobilized.