America's Midlife Crisis: The Future of a Troubled Superpower

Something has happened to the fundamental nature of American culture...a midlife crisis. Recently observers have noted a seismic shift far beyond normal cyclic changes in culture and trends in America. Following September 11, the United States, no longer confident in the protection of two vast oceans, a powerful military structure and a dominant economy, developed policies and practices that exclude foreigners and seem to violate basic civil rights guaranteed under the Constitution. After decades of the ebb and flow of isolationism and expansionism, the US took a rigid new tack that hasn't been reversed yet. What's happening in America? And more importantly, why? America's Midlife Crisis examines the history and culture of the country at a crucial point in its development. From immigration to industry to world influence, this book captures the values, beliefs and behaviors of an increasingly complex society that is struggling to carve out its place in a new world order.