In January, Stephen Miller spoke with CNN journalist Jake Tapper, full of confidence following the military operation to capture Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. Miller highlighted a shift in America’s stance, emphasizing that the country would now act decisively to assert its power globally.

This perspective aligns with Donald Trump’s approach to power, where America’s strength is unmatched. The United States holds a leading economy and a dominant currency on the global stage. Its military, equipped with advanced technology, stands as an unmatched force.

The Trump administration displayed this approach when it engaged in an unprovoked conflict with Iran over two months ago. Trump seemed to believe this would highlight America’s unrestrained power, free from international law’s constraints, emphasizing swift military action as noted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

However, the situation has not unfolded as planned. Despite losing top leadership, Iran mounted a strong defense, affecting America’s regional partners and military bases significantly. By taking control of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran wielded significant economic influence, causing fuel prices to surge and leading to global shortages.

Miller emphasized, “We live in a world that is governed by strength, force, and power.” Yet, the challenges from the Iran conflict counter this view. The Trump administration may have misjudged not only American military strength but also misinterpreted the essence of power, treating it as synonymous with violence.

Miller’s rhetoric echoes the themes of Thucydides’ work, ‘History of the Peloponnesian War,’ where powerful Athens imposed its will on others, a tale of conflict between Athens and Sparta. “The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must,” said Athenians to Melos, pushing them to submit or face destruction.