Researchers Say White Nationalist Influence Now Serves As A Gateway To Supporting Violent Solutions

Political violence between opposing factions has historically been a lethal and disruptive phenomenon worldwide. Countless lives have been lost, societal rifts have intensified, and democratic institutions have been jeopardized. A notable instance occurred post-World War I in Italy, where fascist supporters threatened to dismantle the government unless Benito Mussolini became prime minister. Similar patterns were evident in 1930s Germany, as Adolf Hitler silenced dissent amid civil strife. In subsequent decades, fascist factions exploited political violence to strengthen their power, as seen in Spain, Portugal, and Romania.Today, there’s a rising concern regarding politically motivated violence in the United States, with some experts likening it to Europe's authoritarian history. Such violence manifests in various forms, including mass shootings and targeted assaults, revealing a troubling rise in threats against lawmakers. Recent studies indicate white nationalism significantly drives support for political violence, posing a substantial risk to U.S. democracy and social cohesion.