Ambivalent America argues that understanding long-term trends is just as important as understanding short-term trends in United States foreign policy. Building upon the works of Frank L. Klingberg (1952) and his 1985 book, Holmes argues that United States foreign policy mood has been, and continues to be, an important key to understanding American foreign policy. The period covered by the analysis starts in 1776 and continues to the present. Moods are impacted by interests and world trends to determine United States foreign policy. It is hoped that extremes in American policy can be brought under control, and that prospects for understanding American policy can be improved in the process. Given the role of United States foreign policy in international relations, this work challenges both professionals and general public observers to enrich their understanding of American foreign policy.