I can’t like this post enough, JVL. Fumbling the bag when you are leading the most powerful nation in the history of the world is truly impressive. I don’t understand how people can’t see that soft power (spending money, exporting culture, etc) not only helped to end the Cold War, it’s going to help us beat China in this Great Power Competition. To me, this is the height of the ennui that Tom Nichols talks about so much. We are so bored with our wealth and success that we are willing to burn it all down senselessly. All to save PENNIES a year.