The Strong Do What They Can and Suffer What They Must | Jonathan Kirshner

Thucydides’ *History of the Peloponnesian War* offers a cautionary framework for understanding modern American imperial decline, specifically regarding the dangers of hubris and the fragility of domestic institutions. Jonathan Kirshner, a professor of political science and international studies, argues that policymakers frequently misinterpret Thucydides by decontextualizing the Melian Dialogue to justify aggressive, unconstrained power projection. Rather than inevitable conflict between rising and established powers, the war demonstrates how internal restlessness and the gratuitous use of force undermine a state’s long-term stability. Current American foreign policy, marked by erratic regime-change efforts and the erosion of alliance networks, mirrors the Athenian path toward catastrophe. This systemic failure is compounded by the hollowing out of democratic institutions and the rise of personalist, kleptocratic leadership, which prioritize immediate political gain over national interest and long-term strategic coherence.