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His internal and external initiatives – including the challenge to the democratic process five years ago to recent incursions and threats – undermine both national and global law. However, the issue goes deeper.

They endanger the fundamental meaning of civilization itself.

A ethical foundation of a functioning society is to forestall the stronger from attacking and exploiting the vulnerable. Otherwise, we risk being locked in a state of nature where might makes right prevails.

This principle lies at the center of America’s founding documents. It is equally the heart of the modern framework of international relations supported by the US, built on collective action, democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.

However, it is a vulnerable ideal, easily violated by those who seek to abuse their power. Maintaining it necessitates that the those in charge have enough integrity to refrain from seeking immediate gains, and that society ensure they answer for their actions when they fail.

Unfettered might does not equal right. It makes for instability, upheaval, and conflict.

Whenever people or corporations or countries that are wealthier and stronger prey upon those that are not, the structure of civilization unravels. If these actions are not contained, the system fails. Allowing it to persist, the world can fall into chaos and war. We have seen this pattern previously.

Our current reality is a global community marked by extreme inequality. Authority and resources are increasingly centralized than in recent memory. This invites the privileged to exploit the less fortunate because they feel untouchable.

The resources of a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals is staggering. The power of global industrial giants covers much of the globe. Advanced technology is could further concentrate wealth and power further. The offensive capability of the leading countries is unprecedented in recorded history.

Empowered by complicit legislators and a pliant high court, the presidency has been transformed into the supreme and answerable-to-none entity of government in the modern era.

Combine these factors and you see the threat.

A clear connection links past transgressions to current threats. These were founded upon the overconfidence of absolute power.

There is a similar pattern in other global contexts: in military conflicts, in expansive ambitions, and in the rampant monopolization by powerful corporate entities.

Yet, unfettered might does not make right. It produces fragility, revolution, and armed conflict.

Historical evidence demonstrates that frameworks designed to check the powerful also protect them. Absent these limits, their insatiable demands for increased control and resources eventually cause their collapse – and with them their corporations, nations, or empires. And risk world war.

This blatant lawlessness will haunt America and the global community – and the very idea of a rules-based order – for years to come.