Listening to more than a few liberals, you’d think that the biggest problem in the world today is the United States. The “blame America first” crowd also foolishly wants us to give up our sovereignty, our security and our heritage. It’s nauseating.

“Liberty’s Best Hope,” a new book by Kim Holmes, vice president for foreign policy at The Heritage Foundation, boldly proclaims the truth: The United States and our republican democracy is the only true hope for the oppressed nations in the world. If we don’t step up to the plate and accept the responsibility that comes with the many blessings we enjoy as a free nation, then our future -- and indeed that of peace-loving people around the world -- is bleak, at best.

To fully understand where America fits into the “global community,” it’s helpful to hear from an experienced observer and statesman such as Holmes. A former Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, he has directed The Heritage Foundation’s foreign policy research for nearly two decades. From the need for comprehensive missile defense to protect our nation and our allies, to the sorry state of the United Nations, to warning of dangerous, rogue regimes that pose a real threat around the world, Holmes addresses the vital issues of our day with the voice of authority.

As Holmes explains, a fundamental question should frame the debate over all U.S. foreign policy, including our role in Afghanistan, Iraq and the wider War on Terrorism: What’s the purpose of American leadership? Is it merely to remain the big kid on the global block, as our detractors -- both at home and abroad -- would have us believe? As Holmes boldly proclaims, the overriding mission of American leadership must be the defense and promotion of liberty.

It’s part and parcel of our character. The United States, in the words of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, “is the most reliable force for freedom in the world, because the entrenched values of freedom are what make sense of its whole existence.” If we fail to lead, we fail the cause of liberty.

The title of Holmes’ book comes partly from Thomas Jefferson’s first inaugural address, where our third president called our form of government the “world’s best hope.” Why? Because it’s designed to preserve and protect freedom.

Imbued with this mission, we need to take a clear-eyed look at home and abroad to decide what needs to be done to keep the United States strong and the cause of liberty alive. Here “Liberty’s Best Hope” proves particularly valuable. Holmes takes us on a tour of the world’s hot spots and leading actors -- one you’ll never get just watching the evening news. Consider his unflinching take on Russia and China: Continued...