"My book is focused on the power of the American state, not least because the government of the United States governs so much that the case could be made that everybody around the world ought to have a vote in determining some of its policies"

This quote by Todd Gitlin talks to the immense power of the American state and its worldwide impact. He suggests that the government of the United States has such a large effect on the world that it might be argued that everybody ought to have a say in determining a few of its policies. This speaks with the idea that the United States is an international superpower and its choices have significant implications. Gitlin's book is likely concentrated on the power of the American state and how it affects the world. He is most likely exploring the idea that the United States has an obligation to consider the opinions of the international community when making choices.