Does America have a special mission, derived from God, to bring liberty and democracy to the world? How much influence does the Christian right have over U.S. foreign policy? And how should America deal with violent Islamist extremists? Madeleine Albright, the former Secretary of State and bestselling author of Madam Secretary, offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at the role of religion in shaping America's approach to the world.

In The Mighty and the Almighty, Madeleine Albright examines the profound impact of religion on America's view of itself, the effect on U.S. policy of the rise of the Christian right, the Bush administration's successes and failures in responding to 9/11, the challenges posed by the war in Iraq, and the importance of understanding Islam. She offers a balanced but, when necessary, devastating analysis of U.S. strategy, and condemns those of all faiths who exploit religious fervor to create divisions or enhance their own power.

In this illuminating account, Albright argues that, to be effective, U.S. policy makers must understand the power and place of religion in motivating others and in coloring how American actions are perceived. Defying the conventional wisdom, she suggests not only that religion and politics are inseparable, but that their partnership, when properly harnessed, can be a force for justice and peace.

Madeleine Albright served as U.S. secretary of state from 1997 to 2001. Her distinguished career in government includes positions in the National Security Council and as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Madam Secretary. She is the founder of the Albright Group LLC, chairman of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, and the Mortara Endowed Distinguished Professor at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service. She lives in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.