Trump's Actions Constitute a Risk to Civilization.
His national and international initiatives – ranging from the attempted coup five years ago to latest incursions and statements – undermine not only domestic and international law. But that’s not all.
These actions jeopardize the core idea of a civilized world.
The moral purpose of civilized society is to prevent the dominant from harming and taking advantage of the less powerful. Failing that, we risk being trapped in a state of nature where might makes right wins.
This principle is central of the nation's founding texts. It’s also the foundation of the global system established after WWII championed by the United States, emphasizing multilateralism, popular sovereignty, human rights, and the legal authority.
But, it is a vulnerable ideal, easily violated by those who seek to abuse their authority. Upholding it requires that the influential have the moral fortitude to avoid seeking immediate gains, and that the rest of us ensure they answer for their actions should they falter.
Unfettered might does not make right. It results in turmoil, upheaval, and conflict.
Each instance entities that are richer and more powerful prey upon those that are weaker, the fabric of society weakens. If these actions are allowed to continue, the structure collapses. If not stopped, the world can descend into chaos and war. History provides ample precedent.
Our current reality is a global community grown vastly more unequal. Authority and resources are increasingly centralized than in recent memory. This creates conditions for the privileged to exploit the less fortunate because they perceive themselves as untouchable.
The resources of a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals is staggering. The reach of big tech, big oil, and large defense contractors covers a vast portion of the world. Artificial intelligence is could consolidate resources and influence even more. The military might of the world's largest nations is unmatched in the annals of time.
Enabled by political allies and an accommodating high court, the presidency has been turned into the most dominant and unchecked instrument of government in recent memory.
Put it all together and you perceive the threat.
A clear connection links previous breaches of norms to present-day provocations. These were based on the overconfidence of absolute power.
You see a similar pattern in the actions of other powers: in military conflicts, in expansive ambitions, and in the worldwide exploitation by powerful corporate entities.
Yet, strength without restraint does not create right. It produces uncertainty, revolution, and war.
History shows that frameworks designed to limit the powerful also protect them. Without such constraints, their insatiable demands for greater influence and riches in time cause their collapse – and with them their corporations, nations, or empires. And risk international catastrophe.
This kind of lawlessness will cast a long shadow over America and the global community – and the very idea of a rules-based order – for years to come.
