According to New York Times columnist and author Thomas Friedman, the U.S. faces four major challenges that threaten to jeopardize the American dream for current and future generations and lessen the U.S.'s standing in the world. Globalization, the revolution in information technology, climate change, and chronic deficits are the serious problems that must be addresses immediately; here, Friedman argues for a plan to revitalize the U.S. and its standing in the global community.