This study is a strategic assessment of the power of nations in the world of the 1990s and recommendations as to the U.S. strategic role appropriate to that world. Cline has created a formula that describes territorial size, population, economic capability, and military power for strategic purpose and national will. He advocates that in the international arena, the United States should take a defensive strategy, acting overseas only in incidents of overt aggression, and then only in concert with a core group of approximately twenty strategic associate states. The study presents the United States as the only remaining superpower, with the heavy responsibility of keeping democracy alive. Co-published with the United States Global Strategy Council.

"...Dr. Cline...has been for years a leading, even legendary, figure in the intelligence community....[H]is book is...an exposition of how one can measure the power of a nation to carry out its selected strategy....[F]or the student of politics...[Cline's] formula for assessing power...should be of principal interest, and for this the book can be highly recommended." - Presidential Studies Quarterly

"...Dr. Cline...has been for years a leading, even legendary, figure in the intelligence community....[H]is book is...an exposition of how one can measure the power of a nation to carry out its selected strategy....[F]or the student of politics...[Cline's] formula for assessing power...should be of principal interest, and for this the book can be highly recommended." - Presidential Studies Quarterly