We’re living in a time that signals the beginning of a new era of expansionism from an unlikely aggressor: the United States of America.

Renaming shared bodies of water, such as the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America to exert power and influence; threats to claim operational control over the Panama Canal to dictate international trade routes; attempts to enter a deal to annex sovereignly governed territories like Greenland and Canada in exchange for natural resources and land rights; and holding the security and livelihoods of millions in the balance in exchange for beachfront property in Gaza or rare minerals in Ukraine are examples of the new American aggression. It’s a stark reversal from promoting freedom and independence around the world.

We didn’t get here without provocation. Global events and a resurgence of nationalistic sentiments have stoked anxiety among many. Look no further than Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s expansionistic endeavors in the Asia Pacific. These two superpowers are examples of authoritarian, non-democratic, regimes doing what they do best: compete, intimidate, and win because they are driven by a thirst for power at nearly any cost.

Power through aggression is addictive because it insists on the thrill of warring against an enemy—real or perceived. To fight, win, and dominate is how it legitimizes its existence. From competitive sports to existential threats, without a legitimate fight, the energy created by a quest for power grows restless. It demands either a new battle or to convert its energy into a new form of being.

It’s a well-worn story. Aggression and expansionism are destined to collapse following their self-serving gains. In every system, growth has a mathematical curve where returns ultimately diminish, sometimes at catastrophic rates once their peak has been reached. Resources run out, economies go bankrupt, species go extinct, ecosystems collapse, or the people revolt under pressure, mismanagement, and hardship. This is a predictable future that doesn’t require a crystal ball or spiritual prophet. It’s the inevitability when power through aggression is emboldened to shape the future.

But power is not limited to aggression. There is another force at work in the universe: power through humility. It transcends our contentious and hostile impulses beyond a binary choice between the strong and weak. It does not seek dominance or a competitive edge. Instead, this power is a force of strength and confidence defined by peace over violence; mercy over aggression; sacrifice over superiority.

Power through humility is an old idea with fresh relevance for this moment. For example, the Civil Rights movement was built on the ideals of mutual brotherhood, non-violence, equal rights, and racial reconciliation. Leaders of the movement took their inspiration from the likes of Mahatma Gandhi of India and Jesus of Nazareth. They, and the movements they led, tapped into a power greater than the impulsive confrontational, violent tactics of their time. Theirs was a power marked by mercy, belonging, purpose, and eternity. This power is superhuman because it’s a cosmic strength with a universal love for humanity.

Power energized from love is constructive, not destructive. It’s invitational, not exclusionary. It’s progressive, not regressive. It’s collaborative, and not competitive. Desires through aggression are short-sighted. Hope through humility and love is everlasting. 

Instead of expanding our borders, let us be a people known for expanding our hearts.