Here's a relevant question,
is it a worthwhile payoff to pursue nation-building abroad, directly with our own military, or would it be more efficient to pursue these means indirectly, as outside support to whatever organizations within their own countries are strong enough to build and sustain necessary frameworks? Which way is more proven to bring success -- gifted institutions, or support and guidance when natives are capable of assuming responsibility for their own organizations and leadership choices?

Or... should we be sticking to business at home, and playing a more contained defensive game abroad?

I'm looking at the man in the mirror, so to speak.