Fascism and communism have not entirely disappeared but have been sidelined certainly, and liberal democracy has come to be accepted, in theory at least, around the world, if not always in practice.

It was one thing to contain the Soviet Union in Europe because Britain, France, and Germany were all willing to join in. But will Japan and other Asian countries be willing to join in the containment of China?

Both sides are divided and Western countries collaborate with Muslim countries and vice versa.

I think clearly the United States, as well as other western nations, should stand by their commitments to human rights and democracy and should try to influence other countries to move in that direction.

The basis of association and antagonism among countries has changed over time.

Every civilization sees itself as the center of the world and writes its history as the central drama of human history.

The core of the American set of beliefs has remained pretty constant.