A debate over balancing human rights and anti-terrorism laws broke out in the United Kingdom ahead of Thursday's stunning general election.

It was a reminder – in a country that has witnessed three recent attacks – of the many facets beyond military or police might that factor into a nation's security. National outlook is one. Brits pushed back hard when called a “reeling” nation. Political authority is another. Prime Minister Theresa May banked on an unassailable parliamentary majority, only to fall well short of that. What does a hung Parliament mean for Brexit talks? Or for the public’s confidence?

As in the United States, where attention was riveted Thursday on the testimony of former FBI Director James Comey, such developments can engender a nervous conversation about where all this is headed.

It may seem impossible to overcome sharp divides in a polarized era, and that can feel destabilizing. But that points to yet another factor: leadership. French President Emmanuel Macron faces a challenge in uniting his country. But against expectations, his new, centrist party is expected to take a majority in Sunday’s vote. His reassuring style is creating momentum, and engendering another conversation – about a willingness to hear him out.