At the close of the Cold War the United States faces the difficult task of defining what it stands for, what its long-term goals are and the means it is willing to use to attain these goals. This thesis investigates the role American core values played in the two historical operational codes of the United States-nation building of the Founding Fathers, and the Cold War containment policy. It examines the relationship of paradigm change on values, perceptions and policy. It attempts to develop case studies which exemplify that relationship. Additionally, a long-range planning model is presented for use in framing the debate on options presented for a new operational code. Finally, it goes on to suggest what part American values should play in the operational code the nation develops to shape the "New World Order."