The United States today stands in a position in the world similar to that of Rome at the height of its expansion. It was founded on principles which were admired by the whole world and has been a model for many nations since. However, the world has dramatically changed in ways the founding fathers could not anticipate, and the Constitution provides no guidance for many developments. There were no national corporations when the United States was founded. All three branches of government have sought to expand their power, and where it has been unchecked it has been abused. Selfish laws have been passed and pockets have been lined, undermining the legitimacy of the law at home. In world affairs the challenge is not so much a "clash of civilizations," as the arbitrary use of US power for self-interest more than the spread of ideals for which the United States has stood. "With unusual scope and clarity, Anderson explores key moments in the development of Western civilization and the distinctively American qualities it presently embodies. ...with penetrating insight and constructive criticism, the book charts a course that the United States is well advised to follow if it is to live out the best meanings of its creed." ―John K. Roth, Edward J. Sexton Professor of Philosophy and Director, The Center for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Human Rights, Claremont McKenna College Gordon L. Anderson earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion at the Claremont Graduate University. He is President of Paragon House,adjunct professor at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and editor-in-chief of International Journal on World Peace. He is author of many articles and books, including Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, Version 4.0 (2009). Anderson has a long experience with the analysis of major political systems. In 1985, he organized with Professors Alexander Shtromas, Morton A. Kaplan and 90 sovietologists, in Geneva, Switzerland, a conference on the Soviet system. In 1987, in the Philippines, with the guidance of Professors Ilpyong J. Kim and Morton A. Kaplan, a similar study with 90 sinologists was conducted on China's Social System. Then in 1989, in London, England, with the guidance of Professor Edwards Shils of Cambridge he organized a conference of 90 experts on Liberal Democratic Societies. He edited Morality and Religion in Liberal Democratic Societies, one of the seven books published from this conference. Anderson also serves as President of the Minnesota Legislative Evaluation Assembly, of which he has been a member evaluating the Minnesota legislature since 1999. He is listed in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. Used Book in Good Condition