The concept of division and potential civil war is currently a unifying factor between the right and the left in America. This idea has transitioned from being a fringe concept to a prominent theme in the country’s political discourse. Concerns about political division escalating into large-scale violence have been expressed by voters at campaign events and in opinion surveys. Speculative fiction, serious assessments, and forums have emerged discussing the possibility of a modern-day civil conflict in the United States. The movie “Civil War” has topped box office sales, resonating with national anxieties following the January 6 Capitol riot.
While the actuality of a civil war remains speculative, the bipartisan unease in American politics has led to heightened discussions and fears of potential armed conflict. Violent threats against politicians, reports of hate crimes, and instances of physical violence indicate a growing sense of chaos and unrest in the country. President Biden has articulated concerns about threats to democracy and the potential for political violence to be stoked by former President Donald Trump. The film “Civil War” intentionally avoids specifics about political parties and ideologies to emphasize the risks of division and extremism in politics.
The obscurity of the film’s political narrative has attracted a diverse audience, spanning both liberal and conservative perspectives. Exit interviews revealed that viewers were drawn to the movie’s political dystopian storyline, reflecting a broader interest in the portrayal of chaos and uncertainty in society. Public fears of violence have increased, with polls indicating a significant portion of likely voters believe the country is on a path toward another civil war. Discussions of civil war may be rooted more in feelings of insecurity and instability rather than a realistic scenario.
Political scientist Barbara F. Walter suggests that the country may face a period of political turmoil and violence, potentially involving assassinations and militia groups. The realistic representation of violence in familiar American settings within the movie “Civil War” underscores the potential for domestic conflict to erupt amid deep divisions. While historian David W. Blight does not believe the U.S. is on the brink of another civil war, he acknowledges that any such conflict would likely differ from the historical Civil War due to contemporary polarization and mistrust in institutions. Speculations about the possibility of civil war reflect broader anxieties about the state of democracy and stability in America.
