The Former President's Policies Present a Threat to Civilized Society.

The national and international initiatives – including the challenge to the democratic process five years ago to latest incursions and threats – undermine not only domestic and international law. But that’s not all.

They jeopardize the fundamental meaning of what we mean by.

A guiding principle of civilized society is to forestall the more powerful from attacking and exploiting the vulnerable. Without this, we would be trapped in a conflict of all against all where survival of the strongest prevails.

This principle is central of America’s founding documents. It’s also the foundation of the modern framework of international relations championed by the US, which stresses multilateralism, democracy, fundamental freedoms, and the supremacy of law.

But, it is a vulnerable ideal, frequently ignored by those who would exploit their power. Preserving it demands that the those in charge have a sense of duty to refrain from seeking immediate gains, and that the public demand responsibility when they fail.

Unchecked strength is not right. It results in turmoil, chaos, and hostilities.

Whenever individuals, companies, or nations that are richer and more powerful attack and exploit those that are weaker, the framework of our shared norms weakens. Should such behavior are not contained, the system fails. If not stopped, the world can descend into instability and violence. History provides ample precedent.

Our current reality is a global community with deepening divides. Influence and wealth are held by fewer hands than in recent memory. This encourages the elite to take advantage of the less fortunate because they act with a sense of above the law.

The resources of a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals is almost beyond comprehension. The influence of major corporations in technology, energy, and aerospace extends over much of the globe. Advanced technology is poised to consolidate wealth and power even more. The military might of the world's largest nations is without parallel in human history.

Empowered by a compliant faction and a sympathetic judicial body, the highest office has been transformed into the supreme and answerable-to-none agent of the state in history.

Consider this confluence and you grasp the looming crisis.

An unbroken thread ties past lawless actions to ongoing threats. These were founded upon the arrogance of omnipotence.

You see a similar pattern in the actions of other powers: in territorial invasions, in expansive ambitions, and in the rampant monopolization by massive conglomerates.

But, unfettered might does not create right. It produces fragility, revolution, and armed conflict.

Historical evidence demonstrates that rules and conventions to limit the powerful also protect them. If these guardrails are removed, their relentless pursuit for greater influence and riches eventually bring them down – along with their enterprises, countries, or domains. And threaten world war.

This kind of disregard for rules will plague international stability – and the very idea of civilized conduct – for years to come.