In the United States, democracy functions within a political economy deeply influenced by corporate financing, lobbying structures, and concentrated media ownership. Public opinion is not merely informed; it is engineered. Electoral competition exists, but within boundaries drawn by wealth and institutional continuity.
Yet when Donald Trump wins an election, legitimacy is treated as absolute. It matters little that he faces accusations that range from criminal misconduct to constitutional overreach. It matters little that his policies may violate international humanitarian law. It matters little that his administration’s military actions result in civilian deaths abroad.

Benjamin Netanyahu, despite facing international legal action and accusations related to the Gaza genocide, continues to present Israel’s democratic framework as evidence of moral standing. Elections are cited as proof of legitimacy. Parliamentary debate is offered as evidence of healthy political balance.
But democracy does not nullify military occupation. It does not legalize collective punishment. It does not absolve grave violations of international humanitarian law. And it does not make genocide permissible.