Political Violence
Shade Academia Weekly Newsletter- Political Science
Dear Readers,
As election-related topics continue to dominate the news, Shade Academia aims to continue to provide you with current, up-to-date information regarding a wide range of subjects. As today’s article delves into the world of political science, we hope its information will educate, inform, and inspire deeper thought about your own ideologies and beliefs. Please enjoy today’s learning, and don’t forget to subscribe!
"The Rise of Political Violence in the United States”
This article in the Journal of Democracy, examines the alarming increase in political violence in the U.S. over the past few years. Kleinfeld highlights the transformation of violent groups and the changes within the two main political parties, which have created a latent force for violence that can be either triggered by social events or purposefully ignited for partisan political purposes.
Kleinfeld begins by recounting the threats faced by election officials, exemplified by the case of Eric Coomer of Dominion Voting Systems after the 2020 presidential election. This incident is part of a larger trend of increasing threats and violence against public officials. The essay details how political violence has evolved from the actions of organized groups to more decentralized acts by self-radicalized individuals, often influenced by fringe ideas now circulating in mainstream media. This violence is characterized by physical harm or intimidation intended to influence political, economic, or sociocultural participation.
Historically, political violence in the U.S. has shifted from left-wing to right-wing groups over the decades, with current violence predominantly emanating from the far-right. Today's perpetrators are often integrated into society, holding jobs and community ties, unlike the isolated radicals of the past. Kleinfeld identifies two main groups prone to violence: white Christian evangelical Republicans and individuals who feel threatened by minorities or women.
Findings
Kleinfeld outlines several risk factors for election-related violence, which are highly present in the U.S. These include highly competitive elections, partisan divisions based on identity, electoral rules that exploit these divisions, and weak institutional constraints on violence. She draws parallels with India, where mob violence has been used to sway elections, and notes that similar dynamics could threaten U.S. democracy.
Impact on the Future
The increasing normalization of political violence poses a significant threat to the future of democracy in the United States. The polarization and alignment of identity with political party affiliation make it easier for individuals to justify violence. As this trend continues, it becomes imperative to address and mitigate the underlying causes to prevent further erosion of democratic norms.
Conclusion
Kleinfeld concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and combating political violence. The responsibility lies with political leaders, institutions, and society to ensure that democratic processes are upheld without resorting to violence. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of democratic governance in the United States.
Click here for the full article
Deeper Thinking Questions
- How do social media and mainstream media contribute to the normalization of radical ideologies and political violence?
- What are the potential long-term consequences for democracy if political violence continues to rise unchecked?
- How can political leaders and institutions effectively address and reduce the underlying causes of political violence without infringing on civil liberties?
Stay tuned for more exciting research coming soon! Thank you for being a part of Shade Academia!