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His internal and external strategies – from the challenge to the democratic process in the past to latest actions and warnings – weaken both domestic and international legal frameworks. However, the issue goes deeper.

These actions endanger the core idea of a civilized world.

The ethical foundation of any advanced culture is to forestall the more powerful from harming and taking advantage of the less powerful. Otherwise, we would be locked in a conflict of all against all where survival of the strongest wins.

This concept is central of America’s founding documents. It is equally the core of the global system established after WWII championed by the America, emphasizing multilateralism, democratic governance, individual liberties, and the legal authority.

But, it is a vulnerable construct, easily violated by those who seek to abuse their influence. Preserving it necessitates that the influential have a sense of duty to refrain from seeking temporary advantages, and that society ensure they answer for their actions when they fail.

Absolute power does not make right. It results in instability, disruption, and conflict.

Each instance individuals, companies, or nations that are advantaged attack and exploit those that are less so, the framework of our shared norms frays. If such aggression are left unchecked, the fabric unravels. Allowing it to persist, the world can plunge into instability and violence. It has happened before.

We now inhabit a international landscape with deepening divides. Influence and wealth are more concentrated than ever before. This invites the powerful to leverage their position against the disadvantaged because they feel omnipotent.

The wealth of certain tycoons is almost beyond comprehension. The power of major corporations in technology, energy, and aerospace extends over numerous countries. Artificial intelligence is could further concentrate wealth and power to a greater degree. The offensive capability of the leading countries is unmatched in recorded history.

Supported by complicit legislators and a sympathetic high court, the presidency has been made into the most dominant and unchecked instrument of state power in history.

Put it all together and you see the looming crisis.

A clear connection links past lawless actions to present-day threats. These were premised on the overconfidence of invincibility.

You see parallel dynamics in international affairs: in wars of aggression, in expansive ambitions, and in the global depredation by massive conglomerates.

However, unfettered might does not make right. It produces instability, upheaval, and bloodshed.

Historical evidence demonstrates that laws and norms to check the powerful also safeguard them. If these guardrails are removed, their relentless pursuit for increased control and resources ultimately cause their collapse – along with their enterprises, countries, or domains. And pave the way for international catastrophe.

This kind of contempt for legal order will cast a long shadow over America and the global community – and the very idea of civilized conduct – for a long time.