Is that a comforting illusion though? I don't think so, because it implies that we must be guarded from the rest of the world. And unfortunately, the belligerence of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran make it difficult - perhaps even foolhardy - NOT to be guarded.

Yes, the long term goal MUST be a global peace where all nations look after each other, if we ever want to be truly happy as a species. But I'm not totally convinced that that is realistic right now. It's often necessary to play some tit-for-tat hardball with antagonists.