The world order once more is plagued by the rise of strongman rulers. Some gained power and control through lawful means. Others emerged by force, intimidation and sham elections. Their regimes are a growing menace to America, to the West and to democratic institutions by which they govern.
Following the Allies’ victory in World War II, modern life became free of them: the tyrants, dictators and despots responsible for mass murder, unprovoked warfare, and the enormous destruction of property. Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Mussolini, Tito, Tojo and others left behind destroyed cities, deep deprivations and a suffering humanity.
Thereafter, for a period unique in history civilization advanced. Absent worldwide wars, markets and economies grew and expanded. As the wealth of nations appreciated, poverty receded. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis lessened the nuclear threat. And, when the Cold War ended in 1991, upon collapse of the Communist Party in Russia, further peace and relief were enjoyed America was among the beneficiaries. At turn of the century, reports The Economist,
