U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio emphasized at a recent Trump press conference that the new administration prioritizes strength and direct action over traditional diplomacy. Rubio's remarks highlighted a shift in international relations, where power and personal dynamics overshadow established norms of negotiation and respect for sovereignty. This approach, exemplified by the treatment of leaders like Nicolas Maduro, signals a world order where only the most powerful leaders are immune from consequences, and smaller states must navigate an environment defined by force rather than shared values.

For Israel, this new reality means relying on power to secure its interests, but also recognizing its vulnerable position as a dependent ally. The article warns that Trump's celebration of power could ultimately backfire on Israel, as the gap between being a valued partner and a dispensable 'protectorate' is dangerously narrow. As global leaders like Trump, Putin, and Xi reshape the international landscape, smaller nations from Ukraine to Taiwan must adapt to a world where ideology and collective security are replaced by raw power and self-interest.