America in the 21st century : challenges and opportunities in domestic politics / edited by Kul B. Rai, David F. Walsh, Paul J. Best.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Ch. 1. American Politics in Transition: The 1980s and 1990s / David F. Walsh -- Ch. 2. The Political Economy of Postindustrial America / Arthur C. Paulson -- Ch. 3. American Individual and Public Health: Contexts and Dimensions / Mosses Stambler -- Ch. 4. American Education on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century / Leah G. Stambler -- Ch. 5. A Property Rights Approach to Environmental Quality / James A. Thorson -- Ch. 6. The New Immigrants / Kui B. Rai and John W. Critzer -- Ch. 7. America and the Electronic Revolution / Robert S. Workman and Maribel M. Best -- Ch. 8. American Women and the Twenty-First Century / Antonia C. Moran -- Ch. 9. American Force Posture for the Twenty-First Century / Paul J. Best -- Ch. 10. Is the American Democratic System Prepared for the Twenty-First Century? / Russell G. Fryer.

Keeping in mind that domestic politics receives greater attention than foreign policy in post-Cold War America, authors Rai, Walsh, and Best have included in this volume chapters on the most crucial issues that will face the country in the early 21st century.

The economy in the postindustrial age, health care, education, the environment, immigration, the electronic revolution, the role of women in politics, and defense posture in a world with reduced tensions are discussed by experts in their respective fields.

The text employs a political economy approach in the discussion of every major issue, and wherever appropriate, pays particular attention to the following: historical background; U.S. interests, challenges, and constraints; policy options; the current debate; and recommendations for the 21st century.

Written in a style accessible to undergraduate students, America in the 21st Century provides an overview of U.S. domestic politics and considers the question of America's will to resolve its major problems.