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.