Why America Misunderstands the World : National Experience and Roots of Misperception, Hardcover by Pillar, Paul R., ISBN 0231165900, ISBN-13 9780231165907, Brand New, Free shipping in the US Paul R. Pillar ties the American public’s misconceptions about foreign threats and behaviors to the nation’s history and geography, arguing that success occurs in spite of, not because of, the public’s worldview. By exposing this longstanding challenge, Pillar hopes the United States can develop policies that better address international realities.