DEAR EDITOR:

The popular political slogan of Peace Through Strength has been overused and underrealized for decades, yet the strongest country in the known world has still not realized the absence of war for decades. Gaza and Ukraine stand as recent witnesses. What is to be done? Peace through weakness? Never happen.

Readers of The Vindicator might find some solace in the alternative words of “Peace through Understanding,” as revealed in the Jan./Feb. (2026) issue of Foreign Affairs. Eleven trenchant essays tackle the future of America in the world under the beacon of Donald Trump’s leadership. Most are aware that a radical change of the world order is now taking place, and it looks like a Darwinian battle of the fittest is taking place at the moment, though shrouded in sheep’s clothing and fitful diplomacy.

Both former Sen. William Fulbright and International Rotary tried in the past to interest civilized people in the three simple words — “peace through understanding” — though perhaps the nuances were lacking. How to actually do it? Even the experts are at loss or we would be there today. And make no mistake, strength has had a role to play in peace as the first President Roosevelt warned us to “Walk softly but carry a big stick.” As we have learned, this takes increasing sophistication.

Perhaps Rodney King’s words could be used to paraphrase a kicker in the context of a nuclear warning. If we can’t get along together, we’re bound to die together. Let’s get together for understanding.

HOWARD METTEE

Beaver Township