Lessons from History on Polarization and Violence

Earlier this month, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The public response has amplified political divisions, leaving many people feeling anxious about the state of the country. Sean Westwood, director of Dartmouth’s Polarization Research Lab, explains that while a few voices are stoking tensions, most Americans reject violence and want calmer politics. Westwood spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about what the data reveals about polarization and political violence in the U.S. — and what it might take to turn the temperature down.