The United States does the same. Therefore, the optimal approach to the US relationship with these countries should address a precise balancing of national intersts. Somewhere in the world interests might coincide, somewhere not. However, this must be done bearing in mind the significance of the interests at stake. This cool-headed approach is more appropriate than speculations about the psychological mood of certain leaders or the significance of opinion polls.
American values are crucial to American national interest.
Common values promote peace, economic cooperation and social progress. The question is what kind of price is America prepared to pay for the spreading and protection of her values across the world. Should such a constellation become reality, the United States would suddenly find itself at the mercy of foreign leaders' discretion. This is a situation no responsible American leader should allow to come about. The United States must therefore work for the preservation of the balance of power in Euro-Asia.