As dangerous conflicts and threats escalate, the Biden administration is not responding well. It is beset by indecision and an excess timidity, which are dressed up as prudence. While the world’s most powerful nation is reluctant to fulfill that role, the world’s second most powerful nation is more aggressive.

China is often the key driver of instability. Nations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, especially democracies, should take greater stock of this reality. Beijing pretends that its growing strength fits the interests of other nations, its conduct in international affairs belies this claim. If China displaced the United States as global leader, it would not be good for anyone, except perhaps China and its closest odious allies.