M
any factors determine the relative strength of nations, including great
powers engaged in long-term rivalries. In the larger project of which this
paper is one part, we examine the societal characteristics that produce
competitive advantage—the qualities of nations that improve a nation’s
relative standing.
1
We identified seven major characteristics that appear to be asso-
ciated with success in almost any era or context: national ambition and willpower,
unified national identity, shared opportunity, an active state, effective institutions, a
learning and adapting mindset, and diversity and pluralism.
In addition to these seven characteristics, the study’s first phase also high-
lighted an intriguing, related theme. Many of our cases suggested that competitive
advantage also emerges from meeting the demands of the prevailing competitive
paradigm—the essential character of any era that sets the context for national suc-
cess.
2
There were particular times in history when a confluence of economic, social,
and military developments created an opportunity for competitive advantage by
MICHAEL J. MAZARR, ALEXIS DALE-HUANG, MATTHEW SARGENT
The Emerging Competitive
Paradigm
A Contest of Effective Governance
C O R P O R A T I O N
Expert Insights
PERSPECTIVE ON A TIMELY POLICY ISSUE
February 2024
