The United States is unique among contemporary hegemons in that its primacy and global interests prompt others to seek its assistance in addressing their problems but also to resent it for meddling. Amid these complexities, the conduct of foreign policy must never be reduced to popularity contests. While it may be difficult to find common ground, there are a number of ways that America can transform its unquestioned power into influence.

The indisputable first objective must be to safeguard and enhance American liberty, security, and prosperity. This will require advancing an international order based on democracy, human rights, and free enterprise. And it will require integrating the world’s “have-nots” into the prosperity of Western markets and societies. This is not charity; it is profoundly in America’s interest.

In this new age of global politics, the pernicious effects of globalization—which empower tiny groups of people to inflict grievous harm—make it essential to promote a liberal world order. But the challenge is to do so in a way that is consistent with democratic values and American values of fairness.

Diplomacy is one of the most important tools available to promote US global engagement and advance our values. And it is not a zero-sum game: The wise use of America’s military and economic might can advance American values as well as those of its allies and partners. Indeed, it is the smart application of our power that evicted Iraqi troops from Kuwait, convinced Haiti’s military junta to relinquish power, ended the Serb atrocities in Kosovo, and broke al-Qaida’s grip on Afghanistan.