In the column by media sociologist Park Kwon-il, the author reflects on recent military actions taken by the United States, notably the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei during strikes initiated by the U.S. and Israel. This operation, along with the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. special forces, signals a troubling trend where such aggressive actions seem to be becoming acceptable under the pretext of warfare, challenging established norms regarding state conduct.

The article emphasizes how the U.S., as a dominant military superpower, has historically influenced world order since the Cold War. The writer argues that American power extends beyond mere military might to include the propagation of American values like liberty and the American Dream, which have a broad appeal. However, the current trajectory suggests that traditional understandings of authority and international relations might be weakening due to these unprecedented escalations.

Moreover, the piece discusses the concept of authority in relation to violence. The author posits that a strong sense of authority typically correlates with a diminished necessity for violence; thus, the increase in violent military actions could indicate a fragility in the authoritative stance that the U.S. has maintained. This analysis prompts readers to consider the broader implications of these actions for international relations and the norms that govern them.