American support for democracy around the world during the Cold War was imperfect, hypocritical and sometimes ineffective. At times, communism appeared to be winning the contest of ideas. But the trend eventually reversed. By the end of the Cold War, more people and countries embraced democratic ideas. U.S. policies and programs contributed positively to this phenomenon. They can do so again today.

The U.S. won the Cold War for at least four major reasons: It built stronger partnerships than the Soviet Union. It championed ideas about democracy and human rights that the world found more compelling than communism. It bolstered a global financial order that advanced American goals. And its open economy allowed it to support a superior military. These same four pillars will almost certainly determine the outcome of today's new Cold War. And Trump is bulldozing them.