In this survey of U S history John Kane looks at the tensions between American virtue and power and how those tensions have influenced foreign policy Americans have long been suspicious of power as a threat to individual liberty Kane argues and yet the growth of national power has been perceived as a natural byproduct of American virtue This contradiction has posed a persistent crisis that has influenced the trajectory of American diplomacy and foreign relations for more than two hundred years Kane examines the various challenges including emerging Nationalism isolationism and burgeoning American power which have at times challenged not only foreign policy but American national identity The events of September 11 2001 rekindled Americans sense of righteousness the author observes but the subsequent use of power in Iraq has raised questions about the nation s virtue and as in earlier days cast a deep shadow over its purpose and direction