There are countries whose worldview and foreign policy are subject to dramatic swings reflecting the perspective of their changing leaders. Russia under Vladimir Putin is a prime example—he is personally a driving force behind much of his country's strategy and approach, at home and abroad.

China today is a contrary case. Its foreign policy has undergone significant change in recent years, but the underlying strategy and directions in which it has gone are well grounded in its modern history and evolving national interests, not the whim of an erratic leader.