Colby,

Good piece. I don't have a great deal to add in direct response to what you've said here; I'm also ambivalent, and I think your point that a war like this forces us into an ambivalent situation where some of our deeply held principles clash is well-taken.

Although I'd observe that we're already involved. Putin's invasion of Ukraine didn't happen in a vacuum; there's a history leading up to this (as in, recent history - the last few years and even months) and America was there for that too, even if it wasn't making news.

Another point which you might find more interesting. You've inadvertently touched upon a historical trend in American politics; there was a distinct shift in our national policy from isolationism to foreign intervention - a world where the philosophy of Washington (George) shifted to the present philosophy of Washington (DC). I'm not sure if you're a fan of podcasts but Dan Carlin's Hardcore History podcast had a great episode which covered the inflection point called "The American Peril."

(That name was taken from European coverage of America's rise to the status of a major world power during that time period).