Fact Check: "Political violence has increased in many democracies over the past decade."
What We Know
Political violence has indeed seen a marked increase in various democracies over the past decade, particularly in the United States. According to a report by the Ash Center, political violence in America has escalated significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, with experts noting that it is now at levels not seen since the 1960s (source-1). The attempted assassination of Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol riot are cited as pivotal events that highlight this trend (source-2).
Moreover, a study indicated that threats against lawmakers have increased tenfold since 2016, and a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll revealed that one in five Americans believe political violence can be justified at times (source-2). The rise in political violence is not limited to the U.S.; similar patterns have been observed in other democracies, driven by factors such as political polarization and the normalization of aggressive rhetoric (source-4).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim of increased political violence is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The Ash Center's panel of experts provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of political violence in America, emphasizing that while the actual incidents of violence may be relatively small, the perception and threat of violence are pervasive (source-1).
Furthermore, the research conducted by political scientists Lilliana Mason and Nathan Kalmoe indicates that a significant portion of the population, particularly among certain partisan groups, has shown increasing acceptance of violence as a political tool (source-2). This shift in attitudes is alarming, especially when juxtaposed with the overall rejection of political violence by the majority of Americans.
However, it is crucial to note that some studies have contested the extent of support for political violence. For instance, a study from Dartmouth and Stanford found that only 7% of respondents endorsed specific acts of political violence, suggesting that while the rhetoric may be rising, the actual endorsement of violence remains limited (source-2).
Despite these nuances, the overall trend indicates a troubling increase in both the occurrence and acceptance of political violence, particularly in the context of heightened political polarization.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that political violence has increased in many democracies over the past decade is supported by substantial evidence from credible sources. The rise in violent rhetoric, the normalization of aggressive political behavior, and the increasing acceptance of political violence among certain demographics underscore the validity of this claim.
