Minns argues that the industrial transformations of Mexico, South Korea and Taiwan were based on the existence of powerful developmentalist states in each. It explores the origins of such states and their dynamics and connects the form of autonomy they enjoy within their countries to the policies they pursue. However, these so-called economic 'miracles' have not and, it is suggested here, cannot continue indefinitely. The causes of the decline of the developmentalist state are already present at its birth.