In The Opportunity Richard N. Haass describes an unprecedented moment in U.S. history-a moment in which we have a chance to bring about a world where most people are safe, free, and can enjoy a decent living. The twenty-first century holds this promise because the potential for major power conflict is remote. The opportunity thus exists for unprecedented cooperation among the world's major powers. But like all great moments, this moment will pass. If we are not careful, the world could see its energies diverted by a new cold war-or worse, descend into anarchy defined by terrorism, disease, the spread of nuclear weapons, genocide and extreme poverty. More than anything else, it will be how well and how wisely the U.S. uses its immense power that will determine the future. Will the United States be able to persuade other countries to work with it? What will it take? This updated paperback edition of The Opportunity answers these questions, providing a much-needed foreign policy compass and showing why so much is at stake.