National security

Commentary: Six national security principles we should take from 1776

Unity of purpose: Success in a conflict is difficult enough when the objectives are clear. The rebels were a minority of the population. Had their camp remained divided between the reconciliation and separation parties, victory would have been unlikely. This unity did not come about naturally. It was forged by leaders willing to compromise for the good of the cause. Americans today are more divided about our role in the world than at any time since Pearl Harbor. Post-World War II controversies were more about ways and means than ends. The collapse of this consensus has been noticed by adversaries, rivals and allies. Our uncertainty can be dangerously misread as a lack of resolve.

Real strategy: George Washington was an average tactician but a brilliant strategist who carefully aligned his bold goals with realistic plans that matched his resources. Today, Americans are conditioned to think of the U.S. as a superpower able to impose its will, while simultaneously weary of costly and seemingly unending international commitments...