How to Fix It with John Avlon S2 Ep44: Are We Really Headed for a Second Civil War?
Oct 5, 2025
Barbara F. Walter, a political scientist and author of How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them, joins to discuss America’s tumultuous political climate. She highlights the alarming signs of democratic decline and how leaders can manufacture crises to seize power. Walter suggests crucial reforms, like regulating social media algorithms and empowering citizen action through peaceful resistance. Despite the seriousness of the situation, she also identifies sources of hope in American civic resilience and the importance of local reforms.
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Danger Zone Between Democracy And Autocracy
- Political violence rises in weak, declining democracies that sit between full democracy and autocracy.
- The U.S. has rapidly slid into that dangerous middle since January 2025, increasing risk factors for violence.
Current U.S. Risk Factors For Violence
- The U.S. currently combines easy access to arms, a president who doesn't discourage violence, and lax enforcement against extremist groups.
- These conditions, plus public tolerance for violence, make elections likely triggers for more incidents.
Why Charlie Kirk's Killing Felt Different
- Charlie Kirk's murder shocked many and prompted questions about a civil war, but the national reaction mattered more than the killing itself.
- Unlike past shootings, partisan leaders quickly used the event as a battle cry rather than a unifying moment.
