The beginning and end of the American century -- Imperial overstretch and economic decline -- The end of affluence and equality -- Torn social fabric : inadequate health care and violent crime -- The dimming of America : education, science, and fundamentalism -- Ailing American democracy -- Abandoning international order : unilateralism and international law -- The last gasp of U.S. supremacy : the Iraq War and terrorism -- The world sours on the United States -- America's new rivals : Europe, China, and others -- America and the world after the American century -- Epilogue : reality and hope in the Obama era.