The president of the Council on Foreign Relations asserts that, despite the visible dangers of our time, we are living in a moment of unique opportunity for the US to shape the future In this dramatic new perspective on international affairs, Richard N Haass, one of America's most brilliant analysts and able foreign policy practitioners, argues that it is hard to overstate the significance of there being no major power conflict in the world. America's great military, economic and political power discourages traditional challenges; no ideological fault line divides the world into warring blocs. India, China, Japan, Russia and Europe all seek a prolonged period of stability that would support economic growth. The opportunity thus exists for unprecedented co-operation among the major powers. This is good because they share vulnerabilities. Globalization, which promotes trade and investment and eases travel and communication, also facilitates the spread of viruses (humand and computer alike), weapons, terrorists, greenhouse gases and drugs. And the United States will be able to integrate other countries into global efforts against terrorism, the spread of nuclear weapons, genocide and protectionist policies that jeopardize global economic prosperity. This compelling book explains why it must and how it can.