Reflecting a change in strategy from "soft power" articulated by the outgoing Obama administration, Chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, John McCain has made a pitch for "hard power". <br/><br/>McCain said it is the global striking power of America's armed forces that must deter or thwart the ambitions of aggressors. He said there was a perception around the world that the US had become weak and distracted and that has only emboldened its adversaries to challenge the current world order.<br/>'<br/>Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump's Defence Secretary nominee Gen (retd) James Mattis said that Taliban has made advances in Afghanistan and eroded progress made by United States in war ravaged country. <br/><br/>Mattis told this to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing while responding to a question from its Chairman, Senator John McCain.<br/>