When political legitimacy becomes contingent on recognition by a superpower, populations lose their right to self-determination and democracy becomes a selective tool.
Trump claims that it was due to America's generosity and protection that other countries benefited and raised their living standards, while the United States itself gained nothing.
You don't have to have a majority in society, you don't have to spend your time and money on a campaign. It's enough that you have sufficient influence on the almighty court. And that is the death of democracy.