‘This is what demagogues do’: Experts Warn of Civil War in America Ahead of Presidential Election

Bomb threats to schools in Ohio attended by immigrants, an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate, and an increase in threats to federal judges are just a few examples of the heightened level of political violence in the United States.

Much has been written about Donald Trump’s hateful rhetoric and incendiary language but what will happen if he loses the election? A study last year showed that violence is gaining mainstream acceptance, with one-third of Republicans saying that violence may be the answer to saving the US.

As the election approaches, can we totally discount the idea of a ‘civil war’ in the US?

Some say that this has all been a long-time coming. Jack Goldstone, an expert on Civil Unrest, practically predicted January 6th, writing alongside Peter Turchin less than two months before the 2020 election: “Is the US likely headed for still greater protests and violence? In a word, yes.”

In fact, Goldstone had already predicted over 25 years ago that in the 21st century, the US would elect a populist America-first leader who would inflict division and chaos onto the country.

Jack Goldstone, Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University joins this episode of ‘Mehdi Unfiltered’ together with one of the top experts on fascism, New York University’s History Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, the author of ‘Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present.’

Listen to ‘Mehdi Unfiltered’ as a podcast:

Find Zeteo:

Find Mehdi:

[bamboozled]

Trump would burn this country to the GROUND to merely DELAY a prison sentence 🤬

[The_R-n-I_Guy]

I am a poor white guy from Southern Ohio. I was not at all political until 2016. I had never voted until I voted against trump. I saw from the beginning that he needed to be defeated. There are a lot of people like me. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who think trump is the ultimate leader. I don't understand how anyone could see him and make that decision. Unless they are full of the same hatred as trump. I don't see any other reason to support him. Hopefully, there are enough people like me to save our democracy

[davidgrochmal]

I have zero faith in the crackpot supreme Court

[bobbart]

... America was born of revolution against a King. Isn't it ironic that she could die trying to install another one ? ...

[bonniegaither]

Trump’s name is mentioned 312 times in Project 2025

[momalekshahi]

"Trump would burn this country to the GROUND to merely DELAY a prison sentence" this is similar to Israel gov, lead by Natanyahu.

This has not changed since Athen started the democracy project 2.5k years ago! The three pillars of democracy are that the citizen must always be strongest class to keep the aristocrats in check to prevent a oligarchy and to alleviate the plight of the poor to prevent a tyranny.

The citizens must be well informed and the citizen must be engaged in the affairs of the state. Nothing has changed. Democracy is class struggle per definition! The rich want to take your rights, either as oligarchy or tyranny and "welfare" are not hand outs! They never were in a democracy! Its literally self preservation so that those who dont have much cant be abused/misused and have a real chance to better their situation.

In the US of today the citizens are not the strongest class anymore, we already have an oligarchy while the demagogues are knocking at the door and until these issues are not properly addressed things wont get any better. Lets wait and see how long the silly buggers game of ignorance will continue!

Or why do you think FDR implemented the social safety net and put heavy taxes on the rich in the first place? Or to put it differently, why do you think that since St. Reagan every Republican administration is hell bent on dismantling the social safety net and reducing the taxes on the rich and cooperations?

[TonyMidyett]

If complacency, apathy, and indifference took the form of a nation, it be the USA.

[MatthewCross]

This had me remembering George Orwell’s 1945 essay “On Nationalism, ” in which he wrote, “The nationalist not only does not disapprove of atrocities committed by his own side, but he has a remarkable capacity for not even hearing about them.”

[dannyspitzer]

All because crybaby Donnie can never handle bad news (reality)

[rcronshey]

"Denial, complacency, naivete. " that about sums it up. I've been re-reading Vaclav Havel for tips on how to stay human under an authoritarian regime. Meanwhile, America, in the name of all things good and holy, vote blue.

[beefandbarley]

It absolutely can happen here. But regardless, we’re not going back. 💙

[citizen-abc-]

The problem is that "institutions" across the board have seemingly been filled with corrupt or corruptible individuals. Institutions are otherwise necessary for a functional society.

[Seytom]

Best interviews, best analysis, best guests. Thank you, Mehdi!

[EddieMcclanahan]

It's pretty much dangerous to say you're not voting for Trump where I live, I've never seen such hate in all my 58 years.

[robertward]

I don't think anybody has auto, home, business, or health insurance coverage for civil war....

[davidgrochmal]

When this happens i blame garland and the crackpot supreme Court absolutely immunity my ass

[romanclay]

America, make Trump's next PRISON TERM.

[davidk]

A data scientist from Northwestern University has gained attention for his unconventional election predictions by using betting markets rather than traditional polls.

Thomas Miller accurately forecast the 2020 presidential election. Now, he's back with a new forecast: that Vice President Kamala Harris will win against Donald Trump with a landslide.

(Newsweek September 18)

[michellestratford]

I just don't understand how half of your country doesn't see this! That all this, all his lies, all his hatred and vitriol, is all just because he wants to be President again. I'm Canadian and I'm so scared for you😢