In their aftermath, the 1990s were described by some as a “holiday from history.” Columnist George Will first coined the phrase.

The reference was to a tranquil decade of relative peace and stability after the Soviet Union’s demise and the end of the Cold War. Of course, that widespread serenity came to an abrupt halt with the 9/11 attacks in the fall of 2001.

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No one will confuse the current moment for such a holiday. Tension and upheaval seem omnipresent. Most of us operate in some state of alert, girding ourselves for the torrent of breaking news.

Among many I encounter, there is a sense that this is somehow about to change and that the coming election will set things right. At the risk of being a downer, that is wishful thinking.

This election, now just a week away, will certainly clarify things. If the polls are to be believed, it will likely restore some political balance in Washington.…