Neocons, people who think of nothing but win-lose, will never understand.
No sense trying to explain. Their worldview is that of the playground, where the bully can extort whatever he wants and no one can protest.
John Wayne stuff.
Japan tried to use power aggressively. Germany tried to use power aggressively. The Chinese and Russians tried to use power aggressively in Korea. The US tried to use power aggressively in Vietnam. The US is trying to use power aggressively in Iraq, Afghanistan.
All got or are getting beat.
As you say, the use of power is to have it, not use it. The military know that, for instance. Chickenhawks don't. It's not within their ability to understand.
Arf