Since 1789, ambivalence over America’s international role and responsibilities has persisted.  This tension can be captured in terms of George Washington’s pragmatism not to seek permanent entanglements abroad and Woodrow Wilson’s idealism in fighting the “war to end all wars” to make “the world safe for democracy.”  Washington’s argument was amplified by John Adams’ warning against seeking foreign monsters to slay.  Unfortunately, presidents from John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush were deaf to such wisdom.   Americans have often been seduced or mesmerized by the siren-like call of aiding democracies and especially those pleading for help in establishing them.  Foreign wars that eventually would embroil America attracted [...]