The biggest threat to America's security and prosperity comes not from abroad but from within, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass in this provocative book.

Richard N. Haass contrasts the decisions that shaped the conduct of two wars between the United States and Iraq involving the two presidents Bush and Saddam Hussein, and writes an authoritative, personal account of how U.S. foreign policy is made, what it should seek, and how it should be pursued.

A description of an unprecedented moment in which the United States has a chance to bring about a world where most people are safe, free, and can enjoy a decent standard of living.

A diplomatic dance will be no waltz for either Iran or America, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Richard N. Haass examines Russia's recent diplomatic success with an eye on the bigger picture.

Richard N. Haass outlines a U.S. policy toward Syria that balances a need to act meaningfully with a need to show restraint.

Richard N. Haass says the British Parliament's rejection of a motion endorsing UK participation in expected military action against Syria is nothing less than stunning.

"A president of the United States cannot say something crosses a red line and then go on conducting business as usual," writes Richard N. Haass.

"Those looking to the international community to deal with the world's problems will be disappointed," writes Richard N. Haass.

The international community should refrain from sanctioning Egypt's military leaders for ousting President Morsi and instead support a timely political transition, says Richard N. Haass.

The United States' current respite from geopolitical rivalry ought not to be wasted, writes Richard N. Haass.

There is a well-known adage that politics stops at the water's edge, but this tends to be more hope than reality. American history is filled with examples in which political disagreement at home has made it difficult for the United States to act, much less lead, abroad.

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America's generals understandably spend much of their time worrying about strong countries, notes Richard N. Haass. But in today's world, when the consequences of weakness in the remotest areas can quickly become global, the United States arguably has more to fear from weak countries.

Only by getting its own house in order will the United States be in a position to set an example other societies will want to emulate, argues CFR President Richard N. Haass. And only by fixing itself will the United States possess the resources necessary to discourage or deal with the emergence of a serious political and military competitor.

The urge to gloat at America's imperfections and struggles ought to be resisted, says Richard N. Haass. The rest of the world's stake in American success is nearly as large as that of the United States itself.

CFR President Richard N. Haass calls on Americans to "resolve our political dysfunction, rethink our foreign policy and restore the foundations of American power—and in the process provide another century of American leadership."

A decade ago, when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, the United States chose to immerse itself in the greater Middle East when it had little reason to dive in. But now that most Americans want little to do with the region, U.S. officials are finding it difficult to turn away, writes Richard N. Haass.

CFR President Richard N. Haass writes about the "scope and complexity" of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher's foreign policy legacy.

The Bush administration's decision to wage war on Iraq in 2003 still looms large for its flaws and its damage to U.S. interests, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Council on Foreign Relations President Richard N. Haass writes that John Kerry has only one chance to make a first impression on his first trip abroad as secretary of state, and what is said and not said on this visit will have repercussions for years to come.

"The U.S., by what it does and how it does it, ought to set and reinforce a norm that the use of armed drones should be exceptional," argues Richard N. Haass.

The biggest threat to America's security and prosperity comes not from abroad but from within, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass in this provocative book.

"What is clear is that there is no shortage of challenges or opportunities beyond America's borders. What may matter most when it comes to this country's national security, though, is whether it can put its own economic and political house in order," says Richard N. Haass.