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His national and international policies – ranging from the challenge to the democratic process previously to latest moves and threats – undermine not only national and global law. But that’s not all.

These actions threaten the fundamental meaning of a civilized world.

A ethical foundation of civilized society is to prevent the stronger from attacking and exploiting the weaker. Failing that, we would be permanently immersed in a state of nature where might makes right could survive.

This concept is embedded of the Declaration and Constitution. It is equally the core of the global system established after WWII supported by the US, built on multilateralism, democratic governance, individual liberties, and the legal authority.

Yet, it is a vulnerable principle, easily violated by those who choose to misuse their influence. Preserving it requires that the those in charge have a sense of duty to refrain from seeking short-term wins, and that society demand responsibility should they falter.

Absolute power does not make right. It results in turmoil, chaos, and hostilities.

Every time entities that are richer and more powerful prey upon those that are weaker, the structure of society weakens. Should such behavior are not contained, the system fails. If not stopped, the world can plunge into disorder and conflict. It has happened before.

Today, we live in a international landscape grown vastly more unequal. Authority and resources are increasingly centralized than in recent memory. This creates conditions for the powerful to take advantage of the less fortunate because they act with a sense of omnipotent.

The resources of a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals is staggering. The influence of major corporations in technology, energy, and aerospace extends over much of the globe. Artificial intelligence is could centralize resources and influence further. The military might of the leading countries is without parallel in recorded history.

Empowered by a compliant faction and a sympathetic judicial body, the presidency has been made into the most dominant and unchecked instrument of the state in history.

Combine these factors and you perceive the looming crisis.

A clear connection ties previous breaches of norms to present-day provocations. Each were based on the hubris of absolute power.

You see much the same in the actions of other powers: in military conflicts, in expansive ambitions, and in the worldwide exploitation by powerful corporate entities.

However, unfettered might does not make right. It fosters instability, revolution, and bloodshed.

The lessons of the past reveal that frameworks designed to limit the influential also safeguard them. Without such constraints, their relentless pursuit for more power and wealth in time cause their collapse – taking down their enterprises, countries, or domains. And threaten international catastrophe.

Such lawlessness will cast a long shadow over the nation and the world – and the very idea of civilized conduct – for a long time.