The Mighty and the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs - Paperback

by Madeleine Albright (Author)

"In this fascinating book, Madeleine Albright weaves together history, personal experiences, and brilliant analysis in exploring how religion can be a force for liberty and tolerance rather than oppression and terror." -- Walter Isaacson, author of The Code Breaker

The New York Times bestselling author and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright offers a provocative and very personal look at the role of religion in America's foreign policy

Traditionally, America's foreign policy professionals have sought to downplay the impact of religious beliefs in international affairs. Reinforced by the constitutional separation between church and state, policymakers have shied away from this potentially volatile and divisive issue. In this timely precient book, one of the most renowned figures in American politic argues that in today's climate, a secular approach is no longer sufficient. The 21st century seems to be devolving into a period of religious war, and in an era of confrontation between international terrorism and the West, our political leaders can no longer avoid dealing directly and explicitly with religious issues.

In The Mighty and the Almighty, Madeleine Albright examines religion and foreign affairs through the lens of U.S. history as well as her own experience in public office. She offers a sharp critique of U.S. policy, condemnation for those who exploit religious fervor for violent ends, and praise for political, cultural, and spiritual leaders who seek to harness the values of faith to unite us in these confusing and dangerous times.

Illuminating and engrossing, this is a provocative work calling for leadership that is bold enough to rein in divisive religious rivalries and lay the groundwork for a new moral consensus.

How should America navigate a world where faith is a force for both unity and division?

• Religion and Foreign Policy: A powerful argument for why policymakers can no longer afford to ignore the role of religious belief in international affairs, drawing on Albright's personal experiences in public office.
• Confronting Extremism: A sharp critique of those who exploit religious fervor for violent ends and a clear-eyed look at the challenges of confronting international terrorism in the modern era.
• A New Moral Consensus: An examination of U.S. history and America's global purpose, calling for bold leadership to harness the values of faith for liberty and tolerance, not terror.
• Political Islam and the West: An essential analysis of the complex relationship between Western governments and the diverse world of political Islam, from the Middle East to Europe and Africa.

Back Jacket

Does America, as George W. Bush has proclaimed, have a special mission, derived from God, to bring liberty and democracy to the world? How much influence does the Christian right have over U.S. foreign policy? And how should America deal with violent Islamist extremists?

Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state and bestselling author of Madam Secretary, offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at the role of religion in shaping America's approach to the world. Drawing upon her experiences while in office and her own deepest beliefs about morality, the United States, and the present state of world affairs, a woman noted for plain speaking offers her thoughts about the most controversial topics of our time.