The Former President's Policies Pose a Threat to Our Social Fabric.
His internal and external strategies – ranging from the attempted coup previously to recent incursions and statements – erode both domestic and international law. However, the issue goes deeper.
They threaten the core idea of a civilized world.
The moral purpose of a functioning society is to stop the stronger from preying upon and using the vulnerable. Otherwise, we could find ourselves permanently immersed in a brutish war where only the fittest wins.
This concept is embedded of the Declaration and Constitution. It is equally the core of the modern framework of international relations advocated by the US, emphasizing international cooperation, democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the supremacy of law.
Yet, it is a delicate principle, frequently ignored by those who would exploit their power. Preserving it requires that the influential have enough integrity to avoid seeking short-term wins, and that society ensure they answer for their actions should they falter.
Absolute power does not make right. It leads to instability, upheaval, and conflict.
Every time entities that are advantaged target and use those that are weaker, the structure of civilization weakens. Should such behavior are left unchecked, the structure collapses. If not stopped, the world can fall into disorder and conflict. History provides ample precedent.
Today, we live in a international landscape marked by extreme inequality. Influence and wealth are more concentrated than ever before. This encourages the elite to exploit the disadvantaged because they act with a sense of above the law.
The fortunes of a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals is difficult to fathom. The reach of global industrial giants covers numerous countries. AI is poised to consolidate wealth and power to a greater degree. The offensive capability of the major powers is without parallel in human history.
Supported by a compliant faction and a pliant supreme court, the presidency has been transformed into the most powerful and unaccountable entity of government in recent memory.
Consider this confluence and you see the looming crisis.
A direct line connects previous breaches of norms to present-day menaces. These were premised on the arrogance of omnipotence.
One observes parallel dynamics in international affairs: in wars of aggression, in strategic threats, and in the global depredation by powerful corporate entities.
Yet, strength without restraint does not create right. It makes for fragility, revolution, and war.
Historical evidence demonstrates that frameworks designed to limit the influential also shield them. Absent these limits, their relentless pursuit for more power and wealth ultimately cause their collapse – along with their corporations, nations, or empires. And pave the way for world war.
This kind of disregard for rules will haunt international stability – and indeed a rules-based order – for the foreseeable future.
