Better in their words…

None of these challenges will disappear if America abandons the international role it has maintained since World War II as the superpower leader of the free world. Each threat requires U.S. leadership if the country’s security, economic interests, and values are to be protected. That is why today I am joining with 75 other national security scholars and practitioners to launch the Vandenberg Coalition, a new network committed to advancing a strong and proud American foreign policy.

The coalition brings together people representing diverse approaches, experiences and political views. All share a belief in the U.S. role in world affairs and a deep concern that the Republican Party needs to adopt a forward-looking foreign policy for today’s unprecedented security environment—an approach that draws on the best successes of all previous administrations while learning from the failures. Those of us joined in this effort split during the Trump years: Some (including me) served in the administration; some were “never Trumpers.” But we were never divided over the importance of American global leadership, and today we reassert that unity in advancing U.S. national interests.

Vandenberg’s philosophy is based on six principles:

First, American security depends on leadership. The U.S. must remain the most powerful and influential nation in the world. Tempting though it may be, threats won’t simply go away if America retreats into isolationism. On the contrary, these challenges are likely to get worse.

Second, a strong America is a safe America. The U.S. must have a well-funded, effective military and security infrastructure to protect its people and deter aggression.

Third, strategic cooperation serves U.S. interests. Robust alliances among sovereign nations and the strategic use of multilateral institutions advance American security. The U.S. alliance system is a huge asset that must be strengthened.

Fourth, free and fair trade advances the prosperity and security of the American people. The U.S. must sustain its defense industrial base, lead efforts against predatory economic practices such as intellectual-property theft experienced in recent decades at the hands of China, and promote respect for the rules of international trade and commerce.

Fifth, we support a proud U.S. foreign policy that champions American values without apology.

Sixth, foreign policy should be responsive to all Americans—not only those in Washington or with the clout to hire lobbyists. The effect of trade deals on employment, for example, should weigh at least as much on policy makers as their effect on the corporate bottom line.

The coalition will promote this foreign-policy approach through vigorous engagement with elected officials, candidates, policy makers and the public. Our governing board, advisory board, and staff represent an array of universities, think tanks and previous administrations. This includes the highest levels of the Trump administration, both Bush administrations, and the Reagan administration. Our board itself shows this: It is comprised of Eric Edelman, Matt Pottinger, Kristen Silverberg, Kathryn Wheelbarger and myself. Vandenberg is a coalition in the truest sense, unifying a range of men and women in common cause to advance the principles and policies that we believe will strengthen our nation and protect Americans.

Mr. Abrams served in the White House and State Department in the Reagan, George W. Bush and Trump administrations. He is a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.