In this episode I dispute the criticism that defeat in Afghanistan will constrain US military power. US bases overseas and other elements of power projection will not be affected, nor will US crediblity with allies suffer. As happened after the Vietnam War, doubts at home and abroad about US power will dissipate. Unfortunately, the most important lessons to be learned from Afghanistan, about the need for military restraint and the importance of introspection about American hubris, seem likely not to be learned.