In the lead essay, recently released by the Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment, Robert D. Kaplan lays out a blueprint of the world's changing power politics that recalls the late thirteenth century. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience as a foreign correspondent and military embed for The Atlantic, as well as encounters with preeminent realist thinkers, Kaplan outlines the timeless principles that should shape America's role in a turbulent world: a respect for the limits of Western-style democracy; a delineation between American interests and American values; an awareness of the psychological toll of warfare; a projection of power via a strong navy; and more. From Kaplan's immediate thoughts on President Trump ("On Foreign Policy, Donald Trump Is No Realist," 2016) to a frank examination of what will happen in the event of war with North Korea ("When North Korea Falls," 2006), The Return of Marco Polo's World is a vigorous and honest reckoning with the difficult choices the United States will face in the years ahead.

Strategy.The return of Marco Polo's world and the U.S. military response -- The art of avoiding war -- The tragedy of U.S. foreign policy -- Elegant decline: the Navy's rising importance -- when North Korea falls -- War and its costs. Rereading Vietnam -- Iraq: the counterfactual game -- The wounded home front -- No greater honor -- Thinkers. In defense of Henry Kissinger -- Samuel Huntington: looking the world in the eye -- Why John Mearshimer is right (about some things) -- Reflections. On foreign policy, Donald Trump is no realist -- The post-imperial moment -- Fated to lead -- The great danger of a new Utopianism -- Marco Polo redux. Traveling China's new Silk Road.