There is no pillar as central to the stability of the United States of America as the expression of democracy through the electoral process ensuring the peaceful transfer of political authority and power. From the moment the votes were counted in the last presidential election former President Donald Trump instituted a deliberate campaign to undermine confidence in the legitimacy of the election of President Joe Biden.
This campaign against the voice of the people took an organized form in disinformation and media propaganda, both social and public. It was more formally expressed in dozens of unsuccessful lawsuits and ultimately resulted in the January 6th riot, violent insurrection, and violation of the seat of our democracy — the Capitol itself.
The implications of this challenge to our nation for the rest of the world should not be underestimated. Several authoritarian aspiring empires are expanding their influence in direct competition to US advocacy of free markets, human rights, and democracy. The shining example of the success of a free society based on the rule of law is in danger. Internationally, the rule of law undoubtedly is a necessary element for effective nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
