Political violence is becoming a real worry in the United States and many other democracies. A bunch of different things seem to be pushing it up. To protect our democratic systems and keep people involved in politics safe, it’s super important to get a handle on why this is happening, what it leads to, and what we can actually do about it.
So, why are we seeing more political violence? It’s fueled by several linked factors. A big one is just how divided we’ve become – the intense polarization. When sides are so far apart, some people start thinking violence is the only way to stop the other side from winning. Extreme political parties make this worse; they normalize these huge divisions and even violence, often leading to clashes between their supporters and others. On top of that, a lot of people feel totally let down by the political system, and sometimes that frustration boils over into violence as a way to show they’re unhappy.
You can see this playing out with the rise of extreme parties like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) or France’s National Rally, which seem to egg on their more aggressive supporters. In the US, some parts of the Republican Party have shown similar tendencies, building ties with militias and seemingly okaying violence.
The fallout from political violence is huge, messing with society and democracy in many ways. It chips away at faith in our institutions, weakens the rule of law, and can make people hesitant to get involved in civic life at all. For instance, when public officials face threats and harassment, it can scare them away from doing their jobs or participating publicly.
What’s more, political violence can easily spiral. Local disagreements can get blown up by national narratives and social media, leading to more threats, people mobilizing against specific groups, and ultimately, a poorer quality of democracy for everyone.
Okay, so what can we do to dial down political violence and encourage a more peaceful political scene? There are a few key strategies:
First off, leaders need to step up. People in positions of influence, whether they’re politicians, party heads, or cultural figures, have to consistently call out violence and champion democratic values. They set the tone.
We also need to make sure the rule of law is strong and fair. Governments must ensure policing is equitable, hold those who commit violence accountable, and build a justice system people can actually trust.
Thinking about how our political system works is important too. Can we change electoral rules to reduce polarization and extremism? Maybe tweak things so primary voters have less outsized power, empower political parties to filter candidates better, or look at proportional representation to give diverse voices a fairer shot.
Community action is crucial. People from different backgrounds can come together locally to build trust, calm conflicts, and promote peace. This means local leaders, community groups, and activists teaming up to tackle the root issues causing violence and help people feel like they belong.
Finally, activists and political leaders themselves have a responsibility to keep their own movements in check. They need to push for nonviolent tactics and clearly condemn any violence happening within their ranks.
Beyond these broader strategies, there are practical steps various groups can take.
For businesses and organizations, it’s smart to assess risks, figure out potential threats, and have plans ready to protect staff, visitors, and property. Getting specialized insurance can also help soften the financial blow if violence occurs, keeping things running.
Monitoring and sharing information about violent groups and their methods is vital. This helps everyone be better prepared, supports response efforts, and can undercut the impact of their actions.
And don’t underestimate the power of trusted voices. When credible leaders speak up proactively, they can counteract the worst effects of political violence and create space for positive, unified action.
By putting these ideas into practice and really committing to democratic values, societies can work towards less political violence and build stronger, more inclusive democracies.
