University of Chicago professor Robert Pape appeared on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on September 14, 2025, to share insights on political extremism in America. The interview highlighted Pape’s research on political violence and its implications for the current political climate.
Pape, known for his extensive work studying political violence and terrorism, addressed growing concerns about extremist movements and their potential impact on American democracy. During the interview, he presented data from his research at the University of Chicago, where he leads studies examining the roots and patterns of political extremism.
Research Findings on Political Violence
During the interview, Pape presented findings from his research team’s work tracking incidents of political violence across the United States. “Our data shows a concerning pattern of increased politically motivated threats over the past three years,” Pape explained to Brennan.
The professor outlined how his research team has documented hundreds of cases where political disagreements escalated to threats or actual violence. Their analysis revealed that extremist rhetoric from political figures often preceded spikes in violent incidents.
Pape emphasized that the research identified several key factors contributing to the rise in extremism:
- Increasing political polarization
- The spread of misinformation on social media
- Economic insecurity in many communities
- Declining trust in democratic institutions
Warning Signs for Democracy
When asked about the implications of his research, Pape expressed serious concerns about the health of American democracy. “What we’re seeing now resembles patterns that have preceded democratic backsliding in other countries,” he stated.
The professor pointed to historical examples where political violence served as a warning sign of democratic erosion. He noted that when political disagreements are no longer resolved through established democratic channels, the foundations of democratic governance weaken.
“The normalization of political violence represents a fundamental threat to democratic processes,” Pape told Brennan. “When citizens no longer believe they can achieve their goals through voting and peaceful civic engagement, democracy itself is at risk.”
Potential Solutions
Pape didn’t limit his comments to identifying problems. He also outlined several approaches that could help reduce political extremism and strengthen democratic norms.
“We need leadership from across the political spectrum to explicitly reject violence as a political tool,” Pape said. “This isn’t about left versus right—it’s about preserving the democratic system that allows peaceful transfers of power.”
The professor recommended several specific actions to address the rise in extremism:
First, he called for political leaders to consistently condemn violent rhetoric and actions, regardless of which side of the political spectrum they come from. Second, he suggested media organizations adopt responsible reporting practices that avoid amplifying extremist messages. Third, he emphasized the importance of civic education that teaches the value of democratic processes.
“Social media companies also have a critical role to play,” Pape added. “Their algorithms often promote divisive content that can fuel extremism. More transparency and responsibility in content moderation could help reduce these effects.”
Pape also highlighted the importance of community-based programs that build social cohesion across political divides. Research shows that when people from different political backgrounds work together on common goals, political animosity tends to decrease.
The interview concluded with Pape expressing cautious optimism about America’s democratic resilience. While acknowledging serious challenges, he pointed to historical examples where the country overcame periods of extreme division.
“Democracy requires constant maintenance,” he said. “The current moment demands that all Americans recommit to resolving differences through democratic means rather than intimidation or violence.”
