America, more than any other nation, faces a particular moral tension in the conduct of its foreign policy. Ideals and realpolitik clash. The U.S. became the most powerful nation on Earth in part because it was founded on fundamental freedoms that are not only our birthright but also have the practical effect of unleashing human potential and creating wealth and power.

If we believe, as we say, that every person is endowed by their creator with inalienable rights, the U.S. cannot just defend them at home but must also stand for them and foster them abroad. Yet the projection of power for good also involves compromise, and that means forging alliances for particular ends. Sometimes such alliances — they cannot be friendships — are necessary with ugly regimes, even sanguinary tyrants.