You are correct, sir. Although it might also just be for using his own powers and not per se foreign ones. In most systems like these, any form of violence (by

You are correct, sir. Although it might also just be for using his own powers and not per se foreign ones. In most systems like these, any form of violence (by citizens) is used as an excuse to respond with (disproportional) repressive violence. Many citizens know this, and many have learned it the hard way. So they try to disrupt and disable the system trough non-violent means, which is truly is terrifying for any totalitarian regime. Often such regimes will then resort to brazenly taunting the people and hoping at least someone will bite (given them the excuse they need). They may also just stage violence or an assassination attempt, just to get their way and use the only tool they know: control through (the threat of) violence. In fact, ironically, that might also be a rather fitting approximation to characterize the (actual) way the USA conducts its foreign policy towards many countries, particularly China and above all Russia. But that's another story.