The absence of a focal enemy, ...

The absence of a focal enemy, which is what the Cold War had provided; the complexity of the developments that are occurring that mean that the world is just extremely complicated - lots of different and competing stories and strands; the continuing reality of megaterrorism; and the dysfunctionality of our politics that has neglected the foundations of the U.S. role in the world; have altogether left us somewhat confused.
 Graham T. Allison

Quotes from the same author

The best simpleminded test of expertise in a particular area is an ability to win money in a series of bets on future occurrences in that area.
 Graham T. Allison
There are two great tragedies in life: one is to fail to achieve one's grandest ambitions, and the other one is to succeed.
 Graham T. Allison