There is a persistent illusion in international relations that states choose, once and for all, between idealism and realism. The foreign policies of India and the United States both demolish this illusion as these countries speak the language of universal values while simultaneously practising something far older and far less sentimental. Illustration by The Geostrata TWO FRAMEWORKS, ONE WORLD Let’s first explore the world of realism and idealism quickly. Immanuel Kant, in h