Scholars, journalists, commentators, and elected officials across the political spectrum have raised alarms about escalating political violence in the United States, often drawing parallels to Europe’s authoritarian past. While political violence is not new to American society, our research finds that current patterns differ in important ways. Today, white nationalism has emerged as a key driver of support for political violence, posing a serious threat to U.S. political stability.
White nationalism is more than simply identifying as white and can be found among some nonwhite Americans. It reflects anxiety over growing demographic diversity and a belief that white Americans’ social, cultural, and political values are superior and must be protected. This perceived threat serves as a call to action.
Our data show that white nationalism strongly predicts support for political violence in response to government actions perceived as nonpartisan or benefiting the left, making it the strongest predictor in our models.
It did not, however, significantly influence support for violence when the government actions would benefit right-wing causes.