In this paper the authors propose a visionary but actionable global strategy for revitalizing, adapting, and defending the rules- based international system. The strategy sets forth three key pillars: First, the authors call for a renewed effort to rally democratic states—not just those of the transatlantic alliance, but also democracies across Asia, Africa, and Latin America—to work together to defend and advance the common values that unite them. At the same time, the authors argue that these states must engage the autocratic great powers, including China and Russia, to seek their support for those elements of the rules-based system on which their interests and those of the democratic states align. Second, the international system must be significantly adapted and redesigned to address existing shortcomings and to reflect new realities. To this end, the authors propose several new institutions designed for the needs and challenges of today’s world. Finally, this revitalized and adapted system must be defended. The authors argue for a more systematic approach to monitoring and incentivizing compliance with core rules, to defending democracy against autocratic backsliding and interference, and to confronting the dangers posed by revisionist powers, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, disruptive technology, and other global threats.