Trump has embraced yet another strongman, this time in Libya. But it’s not just a personal failing—it’s a national tradition.

Colin Powell’s extraordinary career as a soldier-statesman provides a model for how to live one’s life in the public arena at a time few such models can be found.

President Trump’s penchant for going it alone makes little sense in a world increasingly defined by global challenges that can best be met through collective action.

The U.S. government spends billions to promote democracy. It could get more for its money through better internal coordination, and by relying more on NGOs and its own expertise when implementing pro…