Historian and essayist Jill Lepore discusses gun rights as a matter of principle, the appeal of insurrection, and the possibility of another civil war in America. She examines the historical context of gun ownership and the NRA's transformation, as well as the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Lepore explores the rise of the carceral state, the strain on political representation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting. She also explores scenarios for change, including LGBTQ visibility and revolution in the Republican party.
The history of gun violence and polarizing issues like gun rights drive political polarization and violence in the US.
The militarization of American society and the rise in gun ownership contribute to the erosion of trust and civility.
The focus on individual opinions and the erosion of collective decision-making strain political representation in America.
Deep dives
American Political History: Unusual but not Exceptional
American history, including the last 10 years, is marked by political violence and turmoil, but this is not exceptional. The current tough moment reflects a long history of political violence that waxes and wanes. Despite its challenges, this period is not the worst in American history and should not be exaggerated. The history of gun violence and the rise of violence-related polarizing issues such as gun rights and abortion are driving forces behind political polarization and violence. However, the idea of a second civil war is mostly alarmism, and the focus on Trump alone does not address the broader issues at play in American politics.
The Historical Basis for American Gun Ownership
The US became a democracy before the state established a monopoly on force, unlike Europe where the civilian population was disarmed as nation-states emerged. The Second Amendment, guaranteeing the right to bear arms, is a historical artifact reflecting the emergence of self-rule before the idea of civilian armament. Paradoxically, gun ownership in the US has been rising and is influenced by factors such as mass shootings and political campaigns that use gun rights as drivers of polarization. The escalation of intolerance and paranoia in American politics has become a daily habit, fueled by a focus on individual rights.
The Cultural Impact of Militarized Policing
American policing has been influenced by an armed civilian population and militarization stemming from the training and equipment distribution resulting from foreign wars. This began even after the First World War, leading to the emergence of the idea of warrior police. The militarization of society, along with a rise in gun ownership, has resulted in a smaller proportion of civil life and a commodification of military-like fashion. The glorification of violence and the erosion of civil life have expanded, making it difficult to restore trust and civility in American society.
Political Representation in Crisis
The idea of political representation is strained in America today due to a shift towards individualism and the erosion of collective decision-making. Deliberation and representation have lost their meaning in an age of social media, where individual opinions take precedence over communal and representative decision-making. The media's focus on Trump and the obsession with his legal cases overlooks the broader questions surrounding the January 6th events and the beliefs of those involved. The crisis of political representation calls for a renewed focus on educating the public about the complexities of voting and political processes.
Potential Crisis Points and Pathways to Change
The risk of a second civil war is often overblown, as change in America is more likely to come through slow transformations. While congressional brinkmanship, particularly over budget negotiations and debt, poses significant danger, it is more probable that slow changes within the Republican Party will lead to political shifts. For instance, issues like abortion and post-Roe v. Wade state laws could spark a transformation in attitudes, causing extreme elements of the party to disintegrate and significantly altering American politics. Rather than a sudden crisis, change may come from the cumulative effects of societal, cultural, and political shifts.
This week David talks to the historian and essayist Jill Lepore about where the chaotic last decade of American politics fits into the longer history of the nation. When and how did gun rights become a matter of principle rather than of pragmatism? What makes insurrection so appealing to so many people? Is another civil war really a possibility? Plus, what did the January 6th Committee miss about January 6th?
