In a critical analysis, the article highlights the profound dangers posed by elected leaders who attempt to seize absolute power through military coups, a serious political crime against democracy. It cites the attempted coup by South Korean President Yoon Seok-yeol in December 2024, which resulted in a life sentence from the courts, and contrasts this with former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who began serving a lengthy prison sentence for similar offenses following his presidential term. These cases serve as a stark reminder of the threats to democratic governance posed by those in positions of power.

The author further draws comparisons between democracies and authoritarian regimes, citing leaders such as Vladimir Putin in Russia, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, who have maintained power without accountability or the fear of repercussions for their actions. These leaders have exploited their political positions to undermine democratic institutions, resulting in nations that no longer fully function as democracies. Unlike South Korea and Brazil, these countries lack mechanisms for citizen accountability, raising concerns about the state of global democracy.

As the article examines the political landscape in the United States, it references Donald Trump's controversial actions to overturn the 2020 election results and his subsequent indictments for various crimes related to these actions. Despite legal challenges, Trump maintained significant political influence, which included controversial pardons and proposals aimed at making it more difficult for American citizens to vote in upcoming elections. This suggests a worrying trend toward authoritarianism in American politics, paralleling the global rise of similar threats against democracy.