As Vladimir Putin reminds us that hard power, military power – not “soft” or “smart” power – is the ultima ratio in international affairs, who speaks for the Republican party?

Is it Eric Cantor? “The eyes of the world are on the United States and our EU and NATO partners,” the House majority leader says.  “It is vitally important that the United States…send an unmistakable signal that this aggression will not be tolerated.  We need to prioritize defense in our budget so that we maintain a military that can respond promptly to contingencies around the world and that instills fear in our enemies while reassuring our allies.”