My last blog mentioned Ben Rhodes’ book After the Fall. In that, Mr Rhodes recounts a conversation he had with Alexey Navalny about the importance of America as a positive example of democracy. He quotes Mr Navalny as saying “Here’s why Trump is a tragedy for us. All my literature is based on the idea that free elections are a system where a better guy becomes higher and a worse guy becomes lower. And now what is the example? At the high point of this democracy there is someone corrupted.” Whilst I have nothing but admiration for Mr Navalny I feel his view of the benefit of democracy sets the bar too high.

Democracy does not guarantee the best governments. What it does do is limit the power of the worst through the operation of an independent judiciary, a free press and a host of other checks and balances which distribute rather than concentrate power. It also provides a route to getting rid of really bad leaders without recourse to violence.

US democracy was tested by the Trump presidency, and, like many other would-be tyrants he attacked the institutions that limited his power. Ultimately, however, he was voted out of office. Messy? Maybe, but effective.

Trump’s attempt to remain in power was not successful because enough people across the US political system, including his own vice President and, critically, the military, remained loyal to the office of president as opposed to its holder. Loyal to the fundamental foundation of the democratic process.

Clearly, the challenge to American democracy continues and Trump threatens to run again in 2024 and there are a lot of people who would vote for him. His chances would be much reduced, however, if a key part of the political political system in the US said what they think about him.

In a two party democracy the role of the opposition is critical and GOP has a huge burden of responsibility going forward. Their failure to make clear allegations about electoral fraud have no evidence to support them, and that the claim the election was stolen is a dangerous lie, creates enormous political risk. It means millions of US citizens will have their trust in democracy undermined. They will believe there is a credible case for Trump having been cheated of the presidency.

GOP members were alongside Democrats under the tables on 6 January and very happy to be taken to a safe location. In a country with a very well armed population, any undermining of the legitimacy of the process whereby candidates secure power is a high stakes game. If people do not accept the result of an open and free democratic process you have got to worry about what they put in its place.

Mr Navalny may not be clear on the limits of democracy, however, I am certain he is crystal clear on the limits of its absence. Democracy may only be the least worst political system but in the messy world of politics that means practically it is the best. The Republicans would do well to reflect on this.