Portrays the trajectory of Britain’s international role from 1650-1950, concentrating on the empire’s leading territories (Caribbean, America, India, southern Africa). Its primary themes are that England imitated its European rivals in acquiring by piracy; resulting migrations were large and sometimes explosive; missionary zeal set the social tone and liberty the political ideal; and the empire’s resolve to defeat Nazi totalitarianism. Though it can be read as an indictment, the book appears to conclude missteps and excesses do not superceed the many benefits of cultural transfer including land tenure, banking norms, common law, team sports as a principle of community, representative and limited government, and the idea of liberty itself. Ultimately a curious cross between history and political science. Its claims to pertain to 21st-century America aren’t clear. An enlightening introduction and conclusion.