Washington, we have a problem. The United States appears to be retreating into isolationism in ways not seen in a century and a half, with potentially appalling consequences. And we couldn’t be handling it worse if we were Kremlin plants.

If you value the Pax Americana, and you should, we must find some way of persuading our neighbours and long-time protectors not to lay their burden down. Childish abuse won’t get it done. Calling Donald Trump a pro-Russian tyrant will certainly not persuade him or his MAGA supporters to reengage with the world on our terms.