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The internal and external initiatives – ranging from the effort to overturn the election in the past to recent moves and threats – weaken not only domestic and international jurisprudence. The implications are broader.

These actions threaten the very concept of what we mean by.

A ethical foundation of civilized society is to prevent the more powerful from attacking and exploiting the less powerful. Failing that, we risk being locked in a state of nature where survival of the strongest prevails.

This ideal is embedded of America’s founding documents. It is equally the core of the global system established after WWII supported by the United States, emphasizing multilateralism, democratic governance, fundamental freedoms, and the supremacy of law.

Yet, it is a fragile construct, often broken by those who would exploit their authority. Upholding it necessitates that the those in charge have enough integrity to refrain from seeking short-term wins, and that society ensure they answer for their actions if they don't.

Unfettered might does not make right. It results in instability, disruption, and hostilities.

Each instance individuals, companies, or nations that are richer and more powerful attack and exploit those that are weaker, the framework of civilization weakens. Should such behavior are left unchecked, the system fails. Allowing it to persist, the world can fall into instability and violence. History provides ample precedent.

We now inhabit a international landscape marked by extreme inequality. Influence and wealth are more concentrated than ever before. This creates conditions for the elite to take advantage of the less fortunate because they feel untouchable.

The fortunes of a handful of tycoons is staggering. The influence of big tech, big oil, and large defense contractors spans numerous countries. Advanced technology is could consolidate wealth and power even more. The military might of the major powers is unmatched in human history.

Enabled by complicit legislators and a pliant judicial body, the executive office has been transformed into the most dominant and unchecked entity of the state in recent memory.

Combine these factors and you see the danger.

A direct line connects previous lawless actions to ongoing threats. Each were premised on the hubris of invincibility.

There is much the same in international affairs: in wars of aggression, in strategic threats, and in the rampant monopolization by powerful corporate entities.

Yet, unfettered might does not create right. It makes for uncertainty, upheaval, and armed conflict.

Historical evidence demonstrates that laws and norms to constrain the powerful also protect them. Absent these limits, their relentless pursuit for increased control and resources in time lead to their downfall – taking down their enterprises, countries, or domains. And threaten global conflict.

Such contempt for legal order will haunt international stability – and indeed civilized conduct – for a long time.