Pray for the Welfare of the Government

Pirkei Avot 3:2

Abarbanel asks: The mishna says that we should pray for the welfare of the government but then says that were it not for the fear of the government people would swallow each other alive - why don't we pray for fear of the government then?

What is the significance of davening for the welfare of the king?

Delivered at the OU Israel Center, February 26th, 2018.