Yes, after they clashed in Sicily.
Doggy.
Rome was trying to expand from Italy into Sicily, where Carthage was trying to establish control. Another view is that Roman aristocrat generals were trying to advance their own status by entering this dispute between Carthage and a gang of rebellious ex-Roman mercenaries.
The Romans viewed Hannibal as a formidable and menacing adversary after his audacious attack from the north during the Second Punic War. His military prowess and tactical genius, particularly evident in battles like the Battle of Cannae, instilled fear and respect among the Roman populace and military leaders. Consequently, Carthage was seen not just as a rival city-state but as a significant threat to Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean. This perception fueled a relentless Roman campaign to defeat Hannibal and ultimately led to the downfall of Carthage itself.
As a threat to individual freedom.
The position of ancient Rome in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, was a strategic one. It in a sense had a "view" of the Mediterranean world and with the acquisition of the island of Sicily, Rome could control sea traffic on both sides of this sea. In a sense the growth of Rome into a world power was not a planned empire by any means. When it became necessary to conquer a nation that seemed like a threat, it continued to occupy that nation in order to curtail any threats from that area.
View the link below to understand what a triple threat move.
dilute European culture
Mostly as a threat. They tried moving the people away to stop it, but it only spread.
The British did not view the boycotting of all British goods as a threat.
Augustus summed up his view in a famous sentence he said on his deathbed: "I found Rome a city of brick and left it a city of marble."
Even after Carthage had been destroyed, people still thought of him with fear. A defeat like Cannae was not lightly forgotten.
A wealthy Roman might view the growth of Roman power as a means to expand their wealth and influence, potentially leading to increased social status and political power. In contrast, a slave might see the growth of Roman power as reinforcing their own oppression and servitude, with little to gain personally. They might also fear the consequences of more power for their masters, such as harsher treatment or increased exploitation.