Thomas Bender works hard in his book to provide a global context and a global connection to American history.  In other words, he points to (even if he cannot cover in detail) what was happening in other parts of the world alongside events in “America,” and he especially points to connections between other histories and American history flowing in both directions.  This requires work and time for students of history.  For me, for example, it requires reading in many other fields of historical scholarship far beyond traditional “American history” -- it means a lot more reading.  If we translate this to the present day, it requires the average American citizen to pay attention not only to what is happening inside the United States, but also everywhere else in the world.  (Ideally, the same challenge should apply to citizens of every other country, since Americans do not hold a monopoly on ignorance.)

But how realistic is that?  For instance, is the Internet -- an important resource for us living on the privileged end of the social spectrum in this country and in the world -- better at reinforcing existing social bonds, or creating new ones?  To what degree does it help you not only to stay in touch with your family and intimate social circles, but also to get in touch with other cultures and other languages?  In other words, is the Internet shrinking your world, or (as Bender might hope) expanding it?....