America votes: Political violence in the USA

Political violence in the United States is on the rise, and quickly. From the harassment of local officials and an increase in hate crimes to international news like the storming of the Capitol on January 6th, 2021 and the attempted assassination of former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024, America has more political violence than it did previously, and threats abound. In one recent survey, almost half of all local and state elected officials received some threat of violence. Americans, too, seem more inclined to violence: some 17% believe violence is acceptable to either keep Trump out of the White House or to see him return.

This trend is concerning, and at least one taboo has been broken. Prior to the 2020 election, every American president had peacefully handed over the office to the winner. Concerns are rife that 2024 will see more violent attempts to undermine democratic processes, from the presidential election on down to local races. 

So what can be done about political violence in the United States? Is there an off ramp in the short term? What roles do the local, state, and national government have in calming tensions and preventing violence? And what can we expect as elections near? 

• Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, one of the foremost experts on political violence in the United States, will provide insight and analysis on this pressing topic.

Moderation:
Carl Roberts, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC.

After an interview with Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions in a Q&A session.

Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld advises governments, philanthropists, and implementers on how democracies make major social change. As a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, she focuses on troubled democracies, including the United States, facing violence, polarization, and other problems. She serves on the boards of the National Endowment for Democracy, Freedom House, and States United for Democracy, and on the National Task Force on Election Crises. Kleinfeld's work on security and police reform includes service on the UN Security Sector Reform Advisory Group and as a fellow with the Halifax International Security Forum; she has also advised the UN, EU, World Bank, and multiple governments. Additionally, she has authored three books and appears frequently in the media.

Contact: 
Deitra Myers, Division European Union and North America, 
E myers@boell.de

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