On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti | Podcast

Is there really a rise in left-wing political violence in America?

Sep 30, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Daniel Byman, a Georgetown University professor and terrorism expert, joins Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political science professor specializing in political violence. They explore alarming trends of politically motivated violence in America, highlighting that left-wing attacks may outnumber right-wing ones. Both experts discuss the rise in support for political violence, the role of leadership rhetoric, and the urgent need for counterterrorism measures. Their insights shed light on the complex dynamics driving these troubling developments.
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INSIGHT

Left-Wing Attacks Surpass Right In 2025

  • CSIS data show left-wing attacks in 2025 outnumber right-wing attacks for the first time in 30+ years, though absolute numbers remain small.
  • Daniel Byman stresses the shift is notable but uncertain given randomness and short time window.
INSIGHT

How The Report Defines Terrorism

  • Byman defines terrorism as political violence by sub-state actors intended to send a broader psychological message.
  • He explains left/right coding follows mainstream U.S. political stances but some cases blur categories.
INSIGHT

Interpret Numbers Carefully But Watch Trends

  • Byman cautions small-sample randomness but notes a steady left-wing rise since ~2016 and a sharp drop in right-wing attacks in 2025.
  • He urges monitoring trends early because counterterrorism requires time to build capacity.
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