A nation may possess the larger economy, the greater military, the deeper market, and the stronger bargaining position. Yet none of these gives it ownership of the bridge connecting it to its neighbors.
A bridge belongs to both shores.
The stronger nation may believe that because others depend more heavily upon its market, it can impose greater costs without suffering equal consequences. In the immediate negotiation, this may even appear true. But history is measured by more than immediate victories. When economic power becomes habitual pressure, dependence begins to feel like danger, and the weaker partner begins searching for another road.
This is the paradox of power: the more frequently strength is used to remind a neighbor of its weakness, the more determined that neighbor becomes to escape the relationship of dependence.
Tariffs can be raised overnight. Trust cannot be rebuilt overnight.
Markets can be closed by decree. Relationships cannot be reopened by decree.
And an ally that has learned to live without you may never again need you in quite the same way.
The United States should therefore measure national strength not merely by how much pressure it can exert upon Canada, Mexico, or other neighbors, but by how many nations freely conclude that cooperation with America remains preferable to distance from it.
Greatness is not demonstrated by standing upon the larger shore and threatening to close the crossing.
Greatness is demonstrated by keeping the bridge strong enough that people on both shores continue choosing to cross it.
For geography makes us neighbors,
commerce makes us partners,
but only trust allows partnership to endure.
Do not break the bridge because you own the larger shore.
The river belongs to neither side,
the future requires both sides,
and one day even the larger shore
may discover how much it needed the bridge.
Pastor Steven G. Lee
St. GMC Corps
August 22, 2026
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