“I pledge to put patriotism over party, and commit to the hard work of real refor…” — Tom Malinowski

Leading with its values gave the United States a sense of purpose in the Cold War.

In a totalitarian state like North Korea, a group of neighbors gathering once a week to watch the latest episode of a forbidden soap opera is committing a political act, and forming, with the market traders who deliver them this treasure, a rudimentary civil society.

The desire to help those struggling abroad gain the freedoms enjoyed here at home has remained a uniquely unifying force in American politics.

No alliance in history has done more to prevent war, and no alliance is more rooted in the values America champions, than NATO.