By Barry A. Sanders

American Avatar: The United States in the Global Imagination

For decades the image of the U.S. abroad has been negative and unchanging but experts in foreign affairs are re-examining these views. In his new book “American Avatar,” author Barry Sanders explores a contrary notion, that views about the US are complex, contradictory and often changing.

The author is an international lawyer and adjunct professor at UCLA who is deeply involved in the foreign affairs community. Drawing on his years of experience in cross-border negotiations, Sanders has developed a clear understanding of how people around the world form their views of America and what can be done to change them.

Why is this important? Images of the U.S. and its people have always affected commerce, immigration and tourism but now it’s thought that these views affect national security and our ability to resolve international conflict as well.

In “American Avatar,” Sanders underscores how difficult it is for American policy makers and diplomats to change attitudes about America and challenges assumptions as to whether the U.S. is loved or hated and why? What does the world think of the U.S. and why does it matter?

Guest:

Barry Sanders, author of "American Avatar: The United States in the Global Imagination" (Potomac Books Inc.)