Differences over the rules for world affairs will not be resolved easily and won’t be resolved in favor the U.S. Countries are interdependent, and a divided world serves no one’s best interests.

The Ukraine crisis has demolished many boundaries. It was out of control from the beginning, since Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. are all unwilling or unable to compromise. Time will tell, though it may not indicate which side to take.

China is gaining influence for a reason: Its approach is helpful — and this irritates the United States. But the Solomon Islands is a sovereign country and as such is entitled to develop security relationships as it sees fit.

South Korea is signaling a dramatic reorientation in its foreign policy, and it could become a key player in an expanded Quad platform.

Economic sanctions against Russia have laid bare the limits of Western-controlled financial infrastructure, and may have exposed some misguided preconceptions about how the global economy is evaluated.

The Philippine 2022 presidential election is just days away. The highly popular president Duterte is likely to be succeeded by the “Bong Bong” Marcos and Sara Duterte, who will build on his legacies. The opposition’s proxy campaign has failed.

While the United States and its Western allies might wish that China would adopt their position and help to mediate an end to the crisis, China has crafted a stance that conforms to its own interests. It simply doesn’ t have the influence other countries may imagine.

Rodrigo Duterte led the Philippines in the last six years with his own brand of populist, oft-criticized leadership. While his successor may not inherit his bombastic attitude, they will have to take over relations with an ever-powerful China and a long festering maritime row.

The continuing attacks on Ukraine should be a point where global leaders should be able to align on creating a solution - but outside of a vacuum, tense relations and posturing are getting in the way.

As it grows stronger, South Korea naturally wants to play a bigger role in world affairs. But drawing close to the U.S. in all fields to elevate its importance will ultimately constrain its diplomatic space and flexibility.