One further factor that will be central to how autocracies assess the free world’s resolve is the question of our conviction and belief. If we are to prevail, the West needs more true believers, and I’m not talking about religion, although I do think that helps.

Henry Kissinger recently observed in his 100th birthday interview with The Economist that “no society can remain great if it loses faith in itself or if it systematically impugns its self-perception.”