The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Trump’s Geostrategic, Top-Down ‘Way of War’
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Mar 5, 2026 A discussion of a recurring geostrategic, top-down pattern in U.S. actions across regions. Looks at preemptive moves in Panama, Venezuela and Iran as part of a broader strategy to counter rival influence. Explores targeted decapitation tactics, limited ground involvement and bypassing multilateral institutions. Considers how military showmanship and bargaining fit into that approach.
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Trump Way Of War Is Geostrategic Top Down
- Victor Davis Hanson identifies a consistent Trump 'way of war' that is geostrategic and top-down, targeting leaders and strategic assets rather than populations.
- Examples include pressuring Panama over China, ousting Maduro to block oil to Russia/China, and targeting Iran as a client of China.
Wars Occur During Negotiations To Lessen Criticism
- Hanson says Trump's strikes occur amid negotiations, allowing him to claim he sought peaceful solutions while reserving the right to act.
- He cites negotiations with Iran during strikes and with Venezuela around Maduro as examples.
Decapitation First Not Nation Building
- The Trump approach prioritizes decapitation of regimes: remove leaders first rather than nation-build from the ground up.
- Hanson references killings of Soleimani, Baghdadi and actions against Maduro as starting at the top.