Purdy, Jedediah

The author shares what he learned while traveling in Asia, Africa, and around the U.S. about the love-hate feelings America inspires in people throughout the world, and considers what the U.S. could do to advance the ideals of democracy, free markets, human rights, and peace in other nations.

Examines how America is emulated and judged internationally and includes discussions on the author's experiences with people around the world who expressed their feelings on the advance of American culture.

The author calls for a renewal of commitment to and faith in American civil and political life, discussing the rise of irony in popular culture, the disillusionment in politics, and the ethical questions raised by advances in technology; and argues the need for renewed attention to the environment, education, culture, law, and government.