Political Polarization and Political Violence

An assassination attempt on former President Trump killed a rallygoer and injured others. The tragedy underscored the danger of dehumanizing those with whom we disagree – and the responsibility we all have to foster a stronger sense of common purpose in American civic life.

The Academy held a webinar on political violence and polarization. Speakers placed that event in the broader context of our understanding of political violence, and provided information on efforts to lower the risk of violence or conflict.    

When the Academy's Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship released Our Common Purpose in 2020, one of its key aims was to reduce the political polarization that divides our nation: “To commit ourselves to constitutional democracy, we must first commit ourselves to – and have faith in – our fellow citizens.”