What happened in Latin America in the 60s illustrates what you're saying. Short-sighted and intellectually limited military leaders took over with the aim of "crushing communists" but ended up strengthening them by their sheer incompetence and unlikeability, as well as total lack of understanding of social dynamics and the cultural sphere.

We need to change the culture and conquer the youth and we won't do that if we're represented by decrepit generals with a boomer mentality.