As the bombings continue, the US government responds by declaring martial law, sending US troops, led by Gen. Devereaux, into the streets of New York City.

Martial law lasted only a few hours, but the country's politics, diplomacy and financial markets have been shaken for weeks. The decree also exposed South Korea's deeply polarized society.

Rodrigo Duterte (2017): Context: Declared martial law in Mindanao during the siege of Marawi by Islamist militants. Outcome: Martial law lasted until 2019 to address terrorism concerns.

The spectacle followed Yoon’s astonishing decision last month to impose martial law during a seemingly routine impasse with the opposition, which dominates parliament. Here’s a closer view of ...