Western media article: The United States has all the conditions for a civil war

Spain's Globe published a January 18 article titled "The American Civil War? article, written by Mariano Aguirre. The full text is excerpted below:

A year after citizens and far-right organized gangs attacked the American Parliament building, the possibility of a civil war in the United States is brewing. The political climate in the United States bodes badly. According to a survey by the American Life Survey Center of the American Enterprise Institute, 36 percent of the population (nearly 100 million adults) believe that "the traditional American way of life is rapidly disappearing to the point that we may have to use force." Nearly 40 percent of Republican voters believe that "if elected leaders fail to protect America, the people should act on their own, even if violence is required."

Barbara M. Professor F. Walters' new book, How the Civil War Began: and How to Stop It, published on January 6, has caused widespread repercussions.

The argument put forward by Civil War expert Walters based on his analysis and handling of information on violent conflicts within other countries is that the United States has all the conditions for civil war.

The concept of civil war is controversial. The Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University in the United States defines it as "a violent conflict between organized groups within a country for control of a government, the achievement of separatist goals of one side, or certain policies of a divided government."

Indeed, against the backdrop of rampant conspiracy theories amplified by social networks, the United States is being heavily influenced by serious ideological polarization and the increasing dehumanization of political enemies.

Political dialogue between Democrats and Republicans is becoming increasingly difficult, and the level of distrust among whites towards blacks, Muslims, Jews, Asians, and other identities is very high.

Many U.S. citizens believe that in recent decades, the democratic and Republican elites have abandoned them by betting on economic globalization. Distrust of politicians is amplified into a growing distrust of "democracy."

Cultural factors account for a large proportion. Racism is a structural problem that has existed in the history of the country since its founding and development as a state.

There are also deep cultural conflicts on issues such as abortion, gender identity and new forms of family organization.

Distrust of the State is linked to the way it was formed. Millions of Americans believe that democrats want to impose a dictatorship, so they must gain a foothold. The slogan of the "three percent" militia is "When tyranny becomes law, resistance is an obligation".

While not new, the growing presence of militias with weapons and expanded personnel during Trump's presidency portends more violence.

In the face of civil war scenarios, other analyses argue that the United States is a country of 329 million inhabitants with enormous social diversity and institutional strength. The violence advocated by militias, which seems to have the support of millions of people, does not necessarily lead to civil war and the eventual disintegration of the Federation.

State and federal agencies are indeed affected by polarization and political crisis, but they have the "capacity to respond democratically." Similarly, academia and the serious press are making important analyses of violence, the "crisis of democracy" and the need to reform the political system. But Walters warns in his new book not to think that the United States will never go to civil war.

Source: Reference News Network