Wisdom of the Ages

Because America is so much mightier than Russia, the American presidency is a much stronger position than the Russian presidency. But a strong man in a position of weakness, if he is ruthless about taking advantage of his adversary’s vulnerabilities, can get the better of weak man in a position of strength. Saul Alinsky understood that, and so does Vladimir Putin. (link)

Saul Alinsky may have understood it, but it goes back a little further than him...

"I'd rather fight 100 lions led by sheep than 100 sheep led by a lion."  - Alexander the Great