The United States entered the 21st century as a global leader, emulated for its ideals as much as respected for its power to shape events. During the 20th century, American leadership served as the bedrock for the international order, promoting prosperity and peace both at home and abroad. But in the first years of the new century, a more nationally assertive U.S. foreign policy—exemplified by the invasion of Iraq, rejection of international treaties, and disregard for traditional allies—took a steep toll on the long-cultivated role of the United States as a responsible global leader. In Power and Superpower: Global Leadership and Exceptionalism in the 21st Century, some of the most distinguished policy practitioners and experts identify pressing foreign policy issues facing the United States, and outline alternatives for successful foreign policy that harnesses power in support of a peaceful and prosperous world.

Published by the Century Foundation Press, Power and Superpower is edited by OSI Director of U.S. Advocacy Morton H. Halperin, Jeffrey Laurenti, Peter Rundlet, and Spencer P. Boyer.