This metaphor:

to the disadvantage of any leader in the public eye, we also have a much easier time assigning foreign-policy blame than foreign-policy credit, for good reason. One bad actor can easily make a giant mess, while many good actors can only with difficulty create order. A country managing foreign affairs is often like a golden retriever playing in a dog run. It can spread a lot of trouble or find a safe place for itself, but it can’t exert much control over its companions