The columnist on why Trump’s biggest challenge will be weak states, not strong states.

Because of Syria’s centrality in the Middle East, positive change there could radiate out in all directions.

Rubio, the choice for secretary of state, has evolved from a hawkish optimist to a more inward-looking, antiglobalist pessimist.

President-elect Donald J. Trump is assembling a team of aides bent on confrontation with China. But he also has advisers who do business there, including Elon Musk.