How well has Barack Obama carried out his duties as U.S. commander-in-chief, top diplomat, and grand strategist? He has been unable to change the climate of Washington, and economic difficulties have dominated the first three years of his presidency. But his larger success or failure will likely hinge as much on foreign policy. In Bending History a trio of renowned foreign policy experts illuminates the grand promise and the great contradictions of a new president, who has captured the attention and imagination of citizens around the world as few of his White House predecessors have.