With the 21st century well underway, it is becoming clear that the past 200 years have been an aberration. The big nations - China and India - are making a comeback, and we are now returning to the historical norm. But size itself does not automatically confer either wealth or power. A big state still has to take the right steps to maximise its natural advantage. So, when we ask if this will be a good century for India, we are really asking what India is doing to convert its size into increased wealth and power. The answer is: so far, not much.