I've recently started playing Victoria II as the Netherlands (home country represent, yo) and am so far doing relatively well.
However, when I tried to colonize new territories in the East Indies I was informed that only Great Powers and Secondary Powers are allowed to colonize, and I'd somehow slipped to "Civilized Nation" status while I wasn't looking.
What's the quickest way to climb back up that sociopolitical ladder? I have a thriving economy and a pretty big budget.