I think there is an issue that the US has an almighty military machine, currently eating 50% of all elective Govt spending.

So, however, nuanced all issues are, the fact is the Govt has paid for an almighty hammer, it's probably hard to stop your problems from looking like nails.

Also, there's the machismo factor. Soft power looks like compromise. Compromise looks like weakness. Weakness only encourages enemies. And you can't be doing that.

keep to the Fen Causeway