Introduction

The united states has oscillated between seeing itself as a model for others to admire and emulate, according to woodro wilson. The end of the cold war was portrayed as a victory of liberal democracy and free markets over communism. Then came nine 11 when President bush vowed to hunt down the terrorists and those who harbored them. America's ability to lead and shape world order stemmed from its power, with the greatest military in the world and the largest economy - but post 9/11 it hasn't worked.