In January, Stephen Miller spoke with CNN journalist Jake Tapper, celebrating the U.S. military operation to abduct Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. He declared that America would no longer play the world’s nice guy. Instead, it would use force to impose its will globally. This statement reflected Donald Trump’s vision of power, often voiced by the toughest members of his administration.
The United States is indeed powerful, with the largest economy measured by several standards and a dominant currency in global markets. Its military stands as the most advanced, driven by costly technology and special forces’ actions.
With confidence, the Trump administration engaged in an unprovoked conflict with Iran over two months ago. Trump viewed this as a demonstration of American power, free from the constraints of international law, a sentiment echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who preferred aggressive “kinetic” action.
However, the situation did not unfold as anticipated. Iran, despite losing key leaders, mounted a significant response. It caused severe damage to American regional allies and military installations. Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, wielding what can be seen as an economic nuclear weapon. This led to soaring fuel prices and shortages of essential goods worldwide.
Miller had maintained that the world operates on strength and power. Yet, the repercussions of the Iran war counter this notion. The Trump administration misunderstood power, equating it with the ability to cause violence when in reality, the two can be opposites.
Miller’s assertive stance brings to mind Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War.” The account details the conflict between Athens and Sparta. The Athenians once told the neutral island of Melos, “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must,” threatening them with death if they did not submit.
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