Democracy Versus Despotism

Russia, ruled by a vicious despotic monster, has been trying to conquer its neighbor, Ukraine. Many democracies, particularly the NATO countries, have been providing vital assistance to Ukraine in its heroic efforts to resist Russia’s assault. Sadly, the leaders of some of the largest and most influential democracies — most notably India, Indonesia, South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico — have washed their hands of the whole business, a bad sign in the ongoing struggle that grips the world. The United States itself is undergoing an internal struggle between democracy and nascent despotism. The next few years may bring a tipping of the scales.