This collection of essays investigates the multifaceted representations of 'America' in the 21st century, examining how these perceptions are shaped and exchanged across the Atlantic. Edited by Isabel Caldeira, Maria José Canelo, and Irene Ramalho Santos, the book draws on the expertise of distinguished American Studies scholars from both sides of the Atlantic. It analyzes the geopolitical, social, and cultural fabric of the United States, questioning the contemporary location of 'America' as both a material nation and a symbolic entity. The central argument posits that the most dynamic understanding of 'America' emerges from the conversations it fosters nationally and internationally.

The collection is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary American Studies scholarship from a transatlantic perspective. The essays collectively engage with complex themes, suggesting a scholarly and analytical approach to understanding the evolving identity and perception of the United States. The focus on dialogue and conversation as a means of defining 'America' points to a nuanced and critical engagement with the subject matter. This work is likely to appeal to academics and students interested in cultural studies, international relations, and the critical examination of national identity.