A collection of landmark essays illustrates a unique intellectual history of this century and of the extraordinary role that America has played in it--offering wisdom, insight, and a greater understanding of America's place in the world. (view table of contents)

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More democracy means more freedom. Or does it? American democracy is, in many people's minds, the model for the rest of the world. Fareed Zakaria points out that the American form of democracy is one of the least democratic in use today. Members of the Supreme Court and the Federal Reserve, institutions that fundamentally shape our lives, are appointed, not elected. The Bill of Rights enumerates a set of privileges to which citizens are entitled, no matter what the majority says. By restricting our democracy, we enhance our freedom. Abroad, the spread of democracy has not produced a corresponding growth of liberty. We are seeing in many parts of the world, a strange creature--the elected autocrat. Zakaria calls for a restoration of the balance between liberty and democracy and shows how liberal democracy has to be made effective and relevant for our times. A modern classic that uses historical analysis to shed light on the present, The Future of Freedom enjoyed extended stays on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post bestseller lists and has been translated into eighteen languages.

Examines the influence of democracy on politics, business and economics, law, culture, and religion in different regions of the world; explores the dark side of the democratic process; and reflects on the future of world democracy.