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The internal and external policies – from the attempted coup previously to recent moves and statements – undermine not only national and global law. But that’s not all.

These actions jeopardize the fundamental meaning of a civilized world.

The guiding principle of any advanced culture is to prevent the stronger from preying upon and using the vulnerable. Otherwise, we would be trapped in a brutish war where only the fittest could survive.

This concept lies at the center of America’s founding documents. It’s also the heart of the global system established after WWII championed by the America, which stresses international cooperation, democracy, individual liberties, and the supremacy of law.

Yet, it is a fragile ideal, frequently ignored by those who seek to abuse their authority. Preserving it requires that the those in charge have enough integrity to avoid seeking immediate gains, and that society ensure they answer for their actions if they don't.

Unchecked strength does not make right. It leads to uncertainty, chaos, and war.

Every time people or corporations or countries that are richer and more powerful prey upon those that are less so, the structure of civilization weakens. If such aggression are allowed to continue, the system fails. Without intervention, the world can descend into disorder and conflict. We have seen this pattern previously.

Today, we live in a society and world grown vastly more unequal. Political and economic power are held by fewer hands than ever before. This invites the elite to take advantage of the less fortunate because they perceive themselves as omnipotent.

The resources of a handful of ultra-wealthy individuals is staggering. The power of global industrial giants covers numerous countries. Advanced technology is could consolidate wealth and power further. The destructive power of the world's largest nations is unprecedented in human history.

Empowered by complicit legislators and a pliant high court, the highest office has been transformed into the most powerful and unaccountable agent of government in history.

Put it all together and you see the danger.

A direct line ties earlier transgressions to ongoing menaces. Each were founded upon the hubris of absolute power.

One observes a similar pattern in the actions of other powers: in wars of aggression, in coercive diplomacy, and in the worldwide exploitation by industrial titans.

However, unfettered might does not make right. It produces uncertainty, upended order, and war.

Historical evidence demonstrates that laws and norms to limit the powerful also shield them. If these guardrails are removed, their relentless pursuit for more power and wealth eventually bring them down – and with them their corporations, nations, or empires. And pave the way for global conflict.

Such contempt for legal order will cast a long shadow over the nation and the world – and indeed civilized conduct – for the foreseeable future.