Christopher Hill ’74, formerly U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia, writes of why understanding the details of foreign policy should matter to you – and to the presidential candidate for whom you cast your vote. Hill says the intellectual foundation required to truly understand these challenges is more important than the emotional fortitude touted in so many political debates.

Hill, described as “one of the main architects of American diplomacy” during the past two decades, is currently dean of the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, and shares his commentary on Project Syndicate.