Politics being politics, the chances of these actions occurring are not good. More likely, future presidents will not enter office properly prepared for their duties. The same can be said of many members of Congress. History need not repeat itself. But a probing analysis of past successes and failures will show that, unless a strategic approach is indeed taken, the future track record will not be better than the past and could be much worse. In international relations, brawn is good. But brains are needed if we are going to think our way clear of danger.

Harlan Ullman is Chairman of the Killowen Group that advises leaders of government and business and senior advisor at Washington DC’s Atlantic Council.

Image: Wikimedia Commons/Garpenholm.