After Another Attempt on Trump’s Life, Is Political Violence on the Rise in the U.S.?

Key Points:

• The recent assassination attempts on President Trump have raised concerns about a new phase of political violence in the U.S., but historical context shows that political violence was more frequent and severe in past eras, such as the late 19th century and the 1960s-70s.
• Sean Westwood, a government professor at Dartmouth College, notes that while political violence is troubling, the country has experienced worse periods and has survived, suggesting current violence is not unprecedented.
• Westwood emphasizes that the real danger lies in the narrative of democratic collapse that often accompanies political violence, rather than the violence itself, as history shows isolated violent acts do not necessarily lead to the end of the Republic.
• The conversation highlights the importance of viewing political violence within a broader historical framework to avoid exaggerated fears based on recent events alone.