Washington should reset national security mentality

All countries seek security for their own survival and prosperity. The US is no exception.

- Paul Chan Poh Hoi

What has been exceptional is how far the US will go in pursuit of security. It is the global policeman not merely out of moral virtue, but because the role allows it to moderate global affairs in its favour.

Where countries see their security as being threatened by the actions of another, tension and conflict are the natural result.