Over the past two decades, US presidents have retreated from earlier, more ambitious efforts to promote democracy overseas. The Trump administration representing the sharpest break from that tradition.” Public fatigue with overseas commitments understandably focuses on avoiding “forever wars.” But abandoning democracy promotion entirely would be a serious strategic mistake for the United States.

Vladimir Putin plays the long game. For decades, the Russian leader has worked to subjugate Ukraine. For decades, he has also cultivated ties with Donald Trump. Now, success at the latter endeavor is allowing Putin to recover from failures at the former: after nearly five years of thwarted Russian objectives in the war on Ukraine, the U.S. president is helping him win.