The New Statesman: politics and culture Why are people talking about an English civil war? | Politics with Anoosh Chakelian
Aug 20, 2025
Phil Tinline, an author and journalist, dives into the historical fears of civil war in Britain amid current political turmoil. He reveals how past predictions of civil conflict often stemmed from economic struggles and societal unrest, yet never materialized. The discussion highlights the dangers of civil war rhetoric in today's politics, driven by sensationalism. Tinline emphasizes the importance of community empowerment to address social disconnection and critiques policies that exacerbate disenfranchisement. A timely reflection on navigating contemporary crises!
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Crisis Pushes Political Boundaries
- Democracy often faces moments where it feels stuck between two intolerable "unthinkables" and seems to risk collapse.
- These moments prompt political shifts that expand the bounds of what policies are acceptable to avoid disaster.
Repeated Historical Patterns
- Historical episodes of predicted civil war often follow acute political stalemate and social strain rather than unique national character.
- Countervailing forces or policy changes repeatedly calmed tensions before full-scale conflict emerged.
Pre‑WWI Home Rule Tensions
- Phil recounts the tense pre-1914 period with the Ulster Covenant, drills and gun-running in Northern Ireland.
- He ties those events to real risks of urban confrontation that followed in the next decade.
