The hidden power of the American dream : why Europe's shaken confidence in the United States threatens the future of U.S. influence / Giovanna Dell'Orto.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [209]-216) and index.

1. Introduction: Europe's Dream, America's Power -- 2. The Newcomer -- 3. The Hyperpower -- 4. Unstoppable Americans -- 5. Danger Looms -- 6. "Undefeatable Concept America" -- 7. Dignity and Equality -- 8. The Exceptional Power -- 9. Problem Bush and Europe's Vote -- 10. Conclusion: The Power of the American Dream.

Through analysis of thousands of Western European media articles and government publications about the United States, this book, for the first time, shows what the essence of America is to non-Americans and why that matters to Americans in a very practical way - because it sets limits to what the nation can accomplish. Dell'Orto argues persuasively that Europe's United States is the revered "concept America" - the exceptional dream that the land of (plenty of) opportunity can really exist, that the experiment in democracy can really work for all those who choose to become Americans." "This is a great U.S. asset, since it makes America uniquely powerful in Europe's eyes, infinitely mightier than the march of Marines and McDonald's alone would warrant. Herein lie the uniqueness and the urgency of this book. European public opinion shapes Europe's reaction at least as much as U.S. actions do.