America has been a Beacon of Freedom to many, yet today it fails to live up to its credo, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. " The American Dream that working hard would lead to a good life has faded for many who now struggle for affordable healthcare and housing, higher education, and a living wage.

Efforts to promote a more democratic and prosperous nation are thwarted by an economic system that favors the top levels. Society is wracked with racial and political unrest that has resulted in violence even in the sacred halls of its Capital.

Globally, America has moved past the Cold War threats of the Soviet Union. Those we now face are more diffuse and in many ways more dangerous-Islamic radicalism, a rise of autocratic governments, fragmenting alliances, global refugee flows, expanding military technologies, cyber intrusions, and global warming.

A National Strategy is badly needed to provide a comprehensive assessment of these challenges and to balance the allocation of resources to revive the American Dream. That is the focus of this book.

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