Bound to Lead - by Joseph S Nye (Paperback)

About the Book

Is America still number one? A leading scholar of international politics and former State Department official Joseph S. Nye, Jr., clearly demonstrates that the United States is still the dominant world power, with no challenger in sight. The real, and unprecedented, challenge is managing the transition to growing global interdependence.

Book Synopsis

This book, written by a scholar of international relations, argues that American leadership is likely to continue well into the 21st century, but that the nature of our power has changed.

From the Back Cover

Is America still Number 1? A leading scholar of international politics and former State Department official takes issue with Paul Kennedy and others and clearly demonstrates that the United States is still the dominant world power, with no challenger in sight. But analogies about decline only divert policy makers from creating effective strategies for the future, says Nye. The nature of power has changed. The real-and unprecedented-challenge is managing the transition to growing global interdependence.

Review Quotes

"From now on, nobody will be able to debate the question of American 'decline' except in the framework this book defines. It is solidly grounded, clear-headed, and powerfully argued - and extraordinary book"--Ernest R. May, Harvard University

"Mr. Nye marshals his wide grasp of history, politics, and economics to produce a compelling book."--Economist

"Now, at last, the anti-declinists are firing back, and the best volley comes from Nye... the first to marshal the anti-decline arguments into a scholarly work and present and alternate vision of the country's future... This book may help lift today's gloom."--David R. Gergen, U.S. News & World Report

About the Author

Joseph S. Nye, Jr. (1937-2025)served as Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and as Chairman of the National Intelligence Council and Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Clinton administration. He is the author of several books, including The Paradox of American Power and Soft Power.