"The book represents a major, trend-setting breakthrough in how we understand the origins and growth of international economic organizations and in how historians can decenter a northern framework and more effectively approach south-north interactions across a wide range of topics. . . .This superb book should be required reading for anyone interested in Mexico's foreign policy and domestic development policies--today or in the past. It is also essential for non-Mexicanists interested in the contested status of today's international economic institutions and their history."
-- "H-LatAm"
"Thornton's book represents an illuminating account that, drawing on absolutely outstanding research, helps us to better think about Mexico's postrevolutionary history and improves our understanding of center-periphery relations during the twentieth century."-- "Hispanic American Historical Review"
"Revolution in Development offers a nuanced and multilayered view of hegemony and state agency in the world system."-- "American Journal of Sociology"
"In well-articulated and concise chapters and drawing on meticulous archival work, Thornton manages to relate the different levels of negotiation and agency of Mexican officials in the international arena, from the most local and personal instances to the changing national and geopolitical contexts."-- "Redaktion COMPARATIV"