Making Sense with Sam Harris #441 — The Threat of Civil War
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Oct 31, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, journalist Stephen Marche, author of The Next Civil War, delves into the precarious state of political polarization in the U.S. He explores the potential dynamics of a modern civil war, weighing various risk factors like inequality and hyper-partisanship. Marche discusses Canada’s perspective on American politics and the serious implications of U.S. aggression. The conversation covers extremism on both sides and how diversity may influence social stability. A thought-provoking dialogue on navigating the future!
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Canada Sees U.S. Chaos As Existential Threat
- Stephen Marche describes Canada's fear of a destabilized United States as like "your big brother shows up at the door in a meth binge with a knife asking for money."
- He says American chaos has altered the essence of Canadian life and forced major policy shifts.
Authoritarian States May Wage Neighbor Wars
- Marche warns authoritarian regimes often start conflicts with neighbors to prolong power, so Canadian fears of U.S. aggression are serious.
- He says options like whole-society defense or nuclear capability are being discussed in Canada.
Canada Considers Finland-Style Defense
- Marche compares Canadian defense thinking to Finland's whole-society defense strategy to deter a stronger neighbor.
- He says national service or conscription and making occupation too costly are seriously discussed options.
