Today, America is the world’s unchallenged superpower. But how it chooses to take on the responsibilities of such a role makes a huge difference to world politics and the global economy.

Has U.S. TV news returned to its pre-September 11 sugar-coated ways?

Is Europe a vital missing element in the Middle East peace negotiations?

Will Hammacher Schlemmer’s new levitating scooter solve U.S. public transit problems?

Were fears about Argentina’s crisis bringing down its neighbors largely unfounded?