This MSNBC interview features Professor Barbara F. Walter, an expert on civil wars, discussing her research on the conditions that make countries susceptible to internal conflict. The conversation centers on her concerning findings that the United States now exhibits two key predictive factors for political instability: a weakened democracy (anocracy) and political division based on identity rather than ideology. Walter highlights how these trends have accelerated, particularly noting the role of identity politics and the challenges to democratic norms. Importantly, she argues that preventing further decline requires active engagement from citizens to defend democratic principles and peaceful resistance against actions that undermine the rule of law.

Democracy: When people affected by decisions participate equally in making those decisions.

"Perhaps the most disappointing finding from our studies — at least from our point of view — is that there are no known fixes to this problem."

Protect the status quo of democratic leaders by threats against political consultants...How democratic. Third party, anyone?

Superb overview of the funding problem in our politics...and a solution.

“Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville