A century ago, A.T. Mahan's The Influence of Sea Power on History aimed to goad the United States into further developing its navy by demonstrating the importance of naval strength. The book had some impact on American policy, but it was most influential in Germany and Japan, and contributed to those countries' preparedness in the wars of the early twentieth century, including those directed against the United States.

Similarly, W.E. Deming's theories of management were far more widely implemented in Japan than in the United States, and they contributed to the dramatic rise of Japanese business which inflamed America's trade deficit with that country. As an ardent internationalist, I hope that citizens of a wide range of countries are able to profit from this book. However, as an American, I hope that my fellow citizens especially will take its ideas to heart and use them to enhance their nation's economic, diplomatic, and military strength. I am biased, to be sure, but I believe that American leadership abroad, despite my country's many flaws, represents an invaluable global contribution to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.