Part 7/16:
The discussion indicates that this “culture of us versus them” is reinforced by narratives that shame dissenters and legitimize authoritarian diktats, eroding trust in institutions and promoting tribalism. There's concern that societal cohesion is fraying, with internal divisions potentially escalating toward violence and civil unrest.
The Potential for Internal Violence and Fragmentation
An alarming point raised is the possibility of a de facto civil war within the United States, driven by state-level powers asserting independence—border controls, regional pacts, and economic divergence. The threat of states sealing borders, restricting movement, and forming regional alliances could fracture the country further, echoing historical civil unrest but now on an inter-state scale.