“Our strength as a nation is inextricably linked to the strength of our unique and comprehensive system of alliances … We cannot protect our interests effectively without maintaining strong alliances and showing respect to those allies.”

So wrote Gen. James Mattis, Donald Trump’s first Defense Secretary, in his 2018 resignation letter to the President. It’s a sentiment that’s been expressed by many American leaders, particularly in the post-World War II period. Put simply: On the global stage, friends matter .

I thought of this last week, as world leaders gathered in New York for the 80th U.N.G.A. , and as tensions appeared in unlikely places. Trump 2.0 has upended some of America’s strongest global friendships, and in the process taken a wrecking ball to the notion espoused by

See Full Page