America plays a significant yet complex role in the world, one that is often misunderstood by America’s citizens, allies and adversaries.

The origins of the American character date back to the selfless individualism of our Founding Fathers and later pioneers, who laid the foundation for what it means today to be an American.

Such selfless individualism, reinforced by a legacy of immigrants who left behind the familiarity of the old world for an unfamiliar new world, is at the root of the American strategy to advance the common good.

America is positioned to remain the single most influential country in the world for the next several decades; sustaining that leadership role in the international arena requires a unified American culture dedicated to such a noble purpose, as well the economic prosperity needed to sustain the necessary diplomatic and military resources.


John Sitilides is a government affairs specialist; he chairs the State Department’s Advanced Area Studies Program for Southeastern Europe at the Foreign Service Institute, Washington’s primary training institution for American senior diplomats and other professionals of the U.S. foreign affairs community.

Twice recognized by the State Department for expertise in public policy and international relations, he speaks on geopolitical risk management and the business impact of American politics and global developments at investor and business conferences, and before government, military and intelligence community audiences.

He has testified before Congress and conducted hundreds of interviews on national security, global affairs and American politics in broadcast, print and digital media.

John received the 2007 “Greek Letters and Culture Award” for his contributions to the advancement of classical knowledge in American education, religion and culture.

He has a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Queens College.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx