This is a case where some modern history and perspective might be useful. I recommend reading some objectively written history texts about the Cold War and notice the rhetoric used in the period, and realize where that led us (relative peace, freedom and prosperity). The Russians had their “Black Colonels”, the US had their Curtis LeMays. It’s all just diplospeak. Border states are a general pain in the rear (Cuba, Turkey, Ukraine, Taiwan, etc.) but they are where the ever-evolving notions of global peace are actually worked out among the major players.

Are the major players going to continue to act like grown-ups? They have so far, and there is little reason to think they will suddenly change. Jaw, jaw is better than starve, starve which is better than bang, bang which is better than BOOM.

He says. "He" != "the establishment". Sure, he's a member of the establishment. He's not setting the direction for the whole thing, though.