Specifies five major myths that are paramount to the American experience, among them the myth of the Chosen Nation, the myth of the Christian Nation, and the myth of the Innocent Nation. Argues that by accepting these myths America risks the "egalitarian promise" of the Declaration of Independence.
Examines critically the foreign policy of President Bush's administration focusing on "doctrines of preemptive attack and preventative war." Raises questions about the support of the United States for a select group of dictatorships while imposing democracy on those who are at war with us. A major theme of this discussion is that 'we cannot defeat fear with fear.".
Analyzes the relationship of the historian to the past and future of the world, and focuses on globalization, collapse of the Soviet Union, the removal of apartheid in South Africa and the legacies of slavery in the United States.
Argues that "soft power" (the ability to attract and persuade) is more important than "hard power" (military or economic might) to the United States' success in foreign affairs. Suggests that the Bush administration relies too much on hard power and too little on soft power that can help prevent terrorists from recruiting supporters and help the United States deal with global issues requiring multinational cooperation.
Depicts the history of the United States from its Puritan days up through 9/11 and traces the development of American patriotism that has influenced the nation in both negative and positive ways. Includes chapter notes and an index.
Contains nine essays, written between 1983 and 2001, in which the author considers the relationship between the historian and his or her world, discussing the politics of history and historians, the rethinking of history in a changing world, and depictions of the Civil War.
Senator Barack Obama addresses twenty-first century politics in the United States, commenting on economic insecurities of citizens, race, religion, terrorism, threat of a pandemic, and other related issues.
