Robert Reich argues that Donald Trump's domestic and foreign policies, including his attempted coup and international actions, fundamentally undermine law and threaten the core principles of civilization by enabling the powerful to exploit the weaker, warning of global instability and chaos.
In this analysis, Robert Reich, former US Secretary of Labor, asserts that Donald Trump's policies, from his attempted coup five years ago to recent incursions into Venezuela and threats against Cuba, Colombia, and Greenland, not only violate domestic and international law but also endanger the very fabric of civilization. Reich posits that the moral purpose of a civilized society, reflected in America's founding documents and the post-war international order, is to prevent the stronger from exploiting the weaker. He emphasizes that this crucial principle, underpinned by multilateralism, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, is fragile and requires constant integrity from the powerful and accountability from the public. The article connects Trump's actions to a broader global trend of concentrated political and economic power, citing examples like Putin, Xi, big tech, and oligarchs, which fosters a sense of omnipotence among the powerful. Reich warns that 'unfettered might does not make right' but instead leads to instability, upheaval, and war, ultimately bringing down even the powerful. He concludes that Trump's blatant lawlessness will have severe and lasting repercussions for America and the world.
