This is a collection of essays that starts with the premise that the United States inhabits a world it understands far too little and is insufficiently prepared to lead. The author, James W. Skillen, argues that world religions and cultural patterns are forces onto themselves and do not and will not change or adapt at American bidding. In short, this post-cold war era calls for a self-critical reexamination of nationalism, state sovereignty, and the demands of international justice. Published in cooperation with The Center for Public Justice.