Fact Check: "Political violence has increased in many democracies over time."
What We Know
Recent surveys indicate a significant concern regarding political violence in democracies, particularly in the United States. According to a NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, approximately 73% of Americans view politically motivated violence as a major problem. This sentiment reflects a broader trend of increasing anxiety about the state of democracy, with 76% of respondents believing that democracy is under serious threat. The poll, conducted in June 2025, highlights a polarized political environment where perceptions of threats to democracy and political violence vary significantly across party lines.
Additionally, a report from the States United Democracy Center shows that while many Americans express concerns about political violence, there is also a resilient base of trust in electoral processes. The report notes that a plurality of Americans (45% in June 2024) still regard political violence as a significant issue, indicating that while there is concern, it is not universally perceived as escalating.
Furthermore, an analysis published in the Journal of Democracy discusses the historical context of political violence in the U.S., noting that while there have been spikes in politically motivated violence, particularly around election cycles, the overall trend is complex and influenced by various factors, including social media and political rhetoric.
Analysis
The claim that political violence has increased in many democracies over time is supported by substantial evidence, particularly in the context of the United States. The NPR poll illustrates a widespread perception among Americans that political violence is a pressing issue, which aligns with findings from the States United Democracy Center that show stable concerns about political violence across different demographics. However, while public sentiment indicates a belief that political violence is a problem, the actual incidence of such violence can be more nuanced.
The Journal of Democracy provides a historical perspective, suggesting that while there have been notable instances of political violence, particularly in recent years, the overall trend may not be uniformly increasing. Factors such as the political climate, media coverage, and social movements play significant roles in shaping public perceptions and actual occurrences of violence.
The reliability of these sources is generally high; NPR and PBS are established news organizations with a reputation for journalistic integrity, while the States United Democracy Center is a reputable organization focused on democracy and electoral integrity. The Journal of Democracy is a peer-reviewed academic journal that provides scholarly analysis on democratic governance, further enhancing the credibility of its findings.
Conclusion
The claim that "political violence has increased in many democracies over time" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence of heightened concern and perception of political violence, especially in the U.S., the actual trends in political violence are complex and vary by context. Public sentiment reflects a significant anxiety about political violence, but the data on its actual increase is less definitive. Thus, while the perception of increased political violence is valid, the reality may not fully align with this perception.
