Economist Podcasts A house divided against itself: America simmers
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Jun 18, 2025 
John Prideaux is the U.S. editor for The Economist, specializing in political trends, while Emily Steinmark serves as the science correspondent. They delve into America's volatile mood by drawing parallels with historical political violence and examining recent protests. The episode also discusses French President Macron's pivotal visit to Greenland, highlighting its implications for climate change and European autonomy. Additionally, advancements in AI are showcased through their application in studying the Dead Sea Scrolls, revealing intriguing insights about ancient history.
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Rise in Political Violence Risks
- Political violence in America stems from extreme partisanship, online loathing, and widespread gun ownership.
- Lately, threats are increasingly targeting state-level representatives who lack strong security measures.
Potential for Escalating Conflict
- Troops on city streets and large protests suggest America might face another turbulent summer or worse.
- History shows such conditions can rapidly escalate into violent confrontations between civilians and armed forces.
Protests and Political Benefit
- Although political violence happened, vast peaceful protests across hundreds of cities denied confrontations Trump might have desired.
- Historically, disorder tends to favor the right-wing party claiming to restore order, benefitting figures like Trump.