In "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the theme of uncertainty in governance, particularly through Washington's ongoing demand for new assessments. This constant need indicates a lack of confidence in existing policies and decisions, reflecting a deeper instability within political leadership.

Tuchman suggests that such repeated calls for re-evaluation are symptomatic of a broader historical pattern, where leaders fail to learn from past mistakes, resulting in persistent folly in governance. This cycle highlights the challenges faced by authorities as they navigate complex situations while grappling with their own uncertainties.