Military power no longer guarantees victory, economic warfare is replacing invasion, and identity politics is proving stronger than force. Russia cannot defeat Ukraine despite its overwhelming military power. The old assumptions that made the world work no longer hold true, but politicians are failing to recognise this change, and that's really worrying me. In that new world, military strength no longer guarantees victory. The limits on US military power are also becoming exposed at present.

Source: The Guardian March 21, 2026 19:08 UTC