On being careful what you wish for......

Military power and idealism about bringing perceived civilization to others are a prescription for frequent conflict in any age - and no ancient state made war more often than did 5th Century imperial Athens. ...
     Consequently, many have carefully read Thucydides in just that historicist context.  Our leaders and pundits are eager to learn from the Athenians' mistakes and successes.  They are unsure whether the fate of Athens is to be our own, or whether Americans can yet match the Athenians' civilization and influence while avoiding their hubris.  Perhaps never has the Peloponnesian War been more relevant to Americans that to us of the present age.  We, like the Athenians, are all-powerful, but insecure, professedly pacifist yet nearly always in some sort of conflict, often more desirous of being liked than being respected, and proud of our arts and letters even as we are more adept at war. ...
      Most wars do not end as they start.

-Victor Davis Hanson, A War Like No Other:  How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War