With President Trump’s foreign policy becoming more of a dangerous shambles with each passing day, the ongoing “virtual candidacy” against him for the Republican presidential nomination should outline a better approach. With help from some wisdom from the past, herein is that outline for more effective diplomacy.

The biggest problem with Trumpian diplomacy is that it is too heavily dependent on Trumpian bluster and Trumpian ego, but too little invested in American values. Trump rightly has emphasized American might, but fails pathetically at making the United States likeable. A better approach would combine might with right, and self-interest with enlightenment. It would not just demand respect it but earn it; it will inculcate societal friendships, not just supposedly personal ones between Trump and foreign strongmen.