So why go into government now? For one thing, the Trump White House will soon be a bare-bones operation. Its ability to interfere with other departments could become more difficult over time.

The more important reason is that it is precisely when conditions seem inhospitable that a young person can make a difference. American 20-somethings interested in international affairs have often advanced their careers by volunteering to live in the less charming parts of the globe. Because of the hardship, they are given greater responsibilities than they otherwise would get. My early career was helped immensely by my willingness to live in Donetsk, Ukraine, during a year of mild hyperinflaton.