". . . tightly written, nicely argued and thoroughly researched to a fault. [Lobell] seems to delight in historical detail. The complexity of his approach is refreshing."
—International Affairs
— International Affairs
". . . a pleasure to read. It is both theoretically sophisticated and empirically rich. Theoretically, it makes an innovative argument that draws constructively from the subfields of comparative politics and international political economy to explain the national security behavior of leading states. . . . [A] significant work that makes an innovative and important contribution to the international relations literature on hegemonic stability and power transition theory. It is, therefore, essential reading for both scholars and graduate students. In addition, Lobell's discussion of the grand strategic policy dilemmas facing the United States in the contemporary era will be of great interest to the U.S. policy community."
—International Studies Review
— Norrin M. Ripsman, Concordia University, Canada, International Studies Review
"[A] conceptually rigorous and tightly reasoned study. . . . Lobell reminds us that power is never value neutral but organizes commercial systems in liberal or imperial terms. Even more importantly, power organizes political societies in liberal (democratic) or imperial (authoritarian) terms."
—Perspectives on Politics
— Henry R. Nau, George Washington University, Perspectives on Politics
"By examining how systemic and domestic forces interact in shaping economic policy, Lobell makes an innovative and important contribution to the literature on grand strategy. The Challenge of Hegemony offers a compelling reinterpretation of key historical cases and provides wise guidance as to how the United States should wield its power today."
—Charles A. Kupchan, Council on Foreign Relations
— Charles A. Kupchan, Council on Foreign Relations
"Lobell demonstrates clearly how the international environment confronting great powers interacts with their domestic political coalitions to produce different grand strategies. Through a masterful sweep of history, Lobell shows us the alternative trajectories before the United States today."
—David A. Lake, University of California, San Diego
— David A. Lake, University of California, San Diego