by Anthony Lake

About the author: Anthony Lake is President Bill Clinton’s assistant for national security affairs.

Ibelieve our nation’s policies toward the world stand at a historic crossroads. For half a century, America’s engagement in the world revolved around containment of a hostile Soviet Union. Our efforts helped block Soviet expansionism, topple communist repression, and secure a great victory for human freedom. Clearly, the Soviet Union’s collapse enhances our security. But it also requires us to think anew because the world is new.

Foreign Interests vs. Isolationism

In particular, with the end of the Cold War, there is no longer a consensus among the American people about why, and even whether, our nation should remain actively engaged in the world. Geography and history always...