We're Number One!?

We're Number One!?: America's Uncertain Standing in the World compares the domestic policies of the United States to other countries across a wide variety of social, political, and economic metrics. This book demonstrates conclusively that despite America's wealth, its strong economy, its military might, and its soft power dominance, we have far to go in comparison with other democratic, industrialized nations. We may think we're Number One, but in too many key areas-health care, education, combating poverty, protecting the family, and so forth-we fall embarrassingly short. The shock to most readers won't be on one or more specific policy shortcomings, but on the cumulative rankings, chapter after chapter, showing where the United States has come up short. This book presents the facts and leaves to policymakers the challenge: how do we fix our broken health care system, how do we mitigate climate disasters, or how do we rein in gun violence. One answer is to look at the successful policies created in other countries. A refreshingly frank and thorough analysis of the United States' relative position in the world, this book will appeal to students, scholars, and practitioners of comparative politics, comparative sociology, public policy, social justice, and American government. An author-hosted website and Substack are updated regularly: www.werenumber.one https://werenumberone.substack.com

Dennis W. Johnson is professor emeritus and former associate dean at the Graduate School of Political Management, George Washington University, Washington, DC. He has specialized in the history and impact of American domestic public policy as well as the professionalization of American campaigns and elections. He is the author of seven books (several in second and third editions) and the editor of four other volumes. He lives in the suburbs of Denver, Colorado with his wife Pat and their dog Snickers. He posts regular updates on America's rankings at www.werenumberone@bsky.social.

Introduction 1. America by the Numbers 2. Freedom and Democracy 3. Income, Wealth, Poverty, and Equality 4. Supporting the Family and Reproductive Rights 5. Obesity, Hunger, and Addiction 6. The Social Safety Net 7. Education 8. Health Care 9. Crime, Punishment, and Firearms 10. Budgets, Taxing, Spending, and Priorities 11. Combatting Climate Change 12. Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation 13. Are We Up to the Challenge?