In his new book “Return to Greatness: How America Lost its Sense of Purpose and What It Needs to Do to Recover It,” long-time political observer Alan Wolfe sees an America where partisanship trumps real patriotism, and knocking opponents down matters more than building up the country.

Wolfe argues that a place to look for a guide to returning to American greatness are the historic moments when such leaders as Abraham Lincoln and FDR steered America toward national strength and unity.

Hear a conversation with Alan Wolfe about America’s sense of itself and America’s role in the world.

Guests:

Alan Wolfe is professor of political science and director of the Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life at Boston College. His new book is “Return to Greatness: How America Lost Its Sense of Purpose and What it Needs to Do to Recover It.”