Donald Trump's Approach Pose a Risk to Civilized Society.
The domestic and foreign strategies – including the attempted coup five years ago to current incursions and statements – weaken both domestic and international jurisprudence. But that’s not all.
They threaten the very concept of civilization itself.
A guiding principle of civilized society is to forestall the stronger from harming and taking advantage of the weaker. Failing that, we risk being permanently immersed in a brutish war where might makes right prevails.
This ideal lies at the center of the nation's founding texts. This is also the core of the postwar international order championed by the US, emphasizing collective action, democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.
Yet, it is a fragile construct, easily violated by those who choose to misuse their power. Preserving it demands that the those in charge have enough integrity to avoid seeking short-term wins, and that the rest of us ensure they answer for their actions if they don't.
Unchecked strength is not right. It results in instability, upheaval, and war.
Whenever individuals, companies, or nations that are wealthier and stronger prey upon those that are weaker, the fabric of our shared norms frays. If these actions are allowed to continue, the structure collapses. If not stopped, the world can plunge into instability and violence. We have seen this pattern previously.
We now inhabit a international landscape marked by extreme inequality. Authority and resources are increasingly centralized than ever before. This encourages the elite to take advantage of the less fortunate because they perceive themselves as omnipotent.
The fortunes of a handful of billionaires is staggering. The reach of global industrial giants covers numerous countries. Advanced technology is likely to consolidate economic and political clout further. The offensive capability of the major powers is unmatched in the annals of time.
Enabled by complicit legislators and an accommodating judicial body, the presidency has been made into the most powerful and unaccountable entity of the state in history.
Put it all together and you grasp the threat.
An unbroken thread links previous lawless actions to present-day provocations. Both were founded upon the arrogance of absolute power.
One observes parallel dynamics in the actions of other powers: in wars of aggression, in coercive diplomacy, and in the rampant monopolization by powerful corporate entities.
But, unfettered might does not create right. It fosters instability, upended order, and bloodshed.
Historical evidence demonstrates that frameworks designed to constrain the influential also shield them. Absent these limits, their endless appetite for increased control and resources eventually bring them down – taking down their enterprises, countries, or domains. And risk global conflict.
This blatant lawlessness will haunt the nation and the world – and indeed civilization – for the foreseeable future.
