Includes bibliographical references and index.

The president of the Council on Foreign Relations asserts that, despite the dangers of our time, we are living in a moment of unique opportunity to shape the future. In this new perspective on international affairs, foreign policy analyst Haass argues that 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 cooperation. Globalization, which promotes trade and investment and eases travel and communication, also facilitates the spread of viruses (human and computer alike), weapons, terrorists, greenhouse gases, and drugs. And the United States, for all its strength, cannot defeat these threats alone. But opportunity is not inevitability. The question is whether the United States will be able to integrate other countries into global efforts against these threats.--From publisher description.