The big geopolitical topic at this year’s often gloomy World Economic Forum in Davos was, of course, Ukraine, where most see a long, hard, costly slog. On the economy, storied companies such as Microsoft and Goldman Sachs have announced layoffs and others, write-downs. In the West, people worry about inflation. In many developing countries, they are bracing for debt crises and defaults.

Though the challenges facing the world are real, I came out of Davos thinking the big story is actually much more positive. There are lots of problems out there. But the big story is the unity and resolve of the democratic world.