America on the Brink: Expert Warns of Rising Political Violence
In a stark warning, Dr. Barbara Walter, a renowned political scientist at the University of California San Diego, has cautioned that America is teetering on the edge of a more perilous phase in its politics. The expert's concerns come as the country grapples with an uptick in lone-actor violence and a security apparatus increasingly politicized.
According to Walter, who has studied how democracies slide into instability and recover from it, the recent killing of Charlie Kirk was not treated as a call for restraint by key leaders but rather as ammunition to be exploited. This shift, combined with a rise in tit-for-tat attacks, points to a more volatile environment.
"It's not just about the violence itself; it's about how we respond to it," Walter said in an interview on The Gray Area podcast. "When leaders use violent incidents to further their own agendas, they're essentially normalizing force as a means of resolving conflicts."
Walter attributes the rise in lone-actor violence to a perfect storm of factors, including social media's amplification of extremist ideologies and the increasing polarization of American politics.
"The internet has become a breeding ground for radicalization," Walter explained. "And when you combine that with the echo chambers created by social media platforms, it's no wonder we're seeing more individuals emboldened to take violent action."
The expert also highlighted the role of leaders' rhetoric in normalizing force and perpetuating a cycle of violence.
"When politicians use language that demonizes opponents or glorifies violence as a means of achieving goals, they create an environment where citizens feel justified in using similar tactics," Walter said. "This is particularly concerning when it comes to extremist groups, which often seek to exploit existing social divisions."
Walter's warnings come against the backdrop of a global trend towards increasing polarization and rising nationalism. Many countries are grappling with similar challenges, including Europe, where far-right movements have gained traction in recent years.
In Germany, for instance, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been accused of fueling xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment. Similarly, in Italy, the League party's leader, Matteo Salvini, has been criticized for his hardline stance on immigration.
While some experts argue that America's unique cultural and historical context sets it apart from other countries, Walter cautions against complacency.
"Democracies are not immune to instability," she said. "In fact, history shows us that they're often more vulnerable to collapse than authoritarian regimes."
As the situation in America continues to unfold, experts warn of a potential tipping point. The question on everyone's mind is: what will it take for leaders to lower the temperature and restore a sense of calm?
"It's going to require a concerted effort from all sides," Walter said. "Leaders must be willing to put aside their differences and work towards finding common ground. And citizens must demand more from their elected officials – demanding that they prioritize civility, compromise, and restraint over partisan gain."
For now, the world watches as America navigates this treacherous terrain, hoping that it will find a way back from the brink before it's too late.
Byline: Emily J. Miller, International Correspondent
Date: October 13, 2025
*Reporting by Vox.*
