There is no question that stability around the globe is virtually non-existent. In only a few short months, atrocities in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria unfolded leaving thousands dead. Mexico will likely soon be declared as a failed state. Europe observed some of its worst riots last month. And in due time, the United States will too face our own domestic violence issues similarly.
The majority of today’s worldly violent cases encapsulate one common theme–people simply had enough rule of dictators, tyrants, and political corruption. Many would claim that terrorist entities affiliated with Al Qaeda had a play in these atrocities but without an opportunity presented by the disgruntled, no terrorist network would have been capable in leveraging action.
Some persons remained loyal to their supreme leaders yet many of them paid the ultimate price. On the flip, some leaders like Assad in Syria enacted violence that oppositions could not defeat. People faced consequences for their actions yet the majority of the “cheerleaders” remained unscathed.
Today, American politicians within both parties have done their fair share in splitting the masses causing psychological tensions among our citizens. Many of our political elites have done a disservice to the nation spouting ideological rhetoric as if they are leaders of a pep rally hooting and hollering about poverty, equal rights, racism, etc.–continued historic issues within America. Simultaneously, these same politicians have done little to actually truly assist those they rally.
With a Presidential election in our future, “poltricks” of name calling, bullying, and outright defamation of not just individuals but entire social constructs will likely entail–the new, yet wrong, American way of dealing with serious problems. This next election could be a loose-loose for America no matter the Presidential winner.
Some Americans, no matter their political flavor, are reaching a tipping point. Psychologically, these persons are no different than those involved with the recent Middle East and North African uprisings. Some American youth have demonstrated unsurpassed intestinal fortitude willing to flash mob–it is not difficult turning small scale flash mobs into grand scale riots like those recently witnessed in Europe.
American domestic violence, much worse than that witnessed in the 1960’s, is likely on the horizon. Many persons observed actions throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and even Europe as a solution. Protests are already scheduled for mid Septemeber through late October throughout many cities across the U.S. to include New York and Washington D.C. Protests eaily turn into riots, and riots, well, look what could happen with them based off the Arab Spring. Needless to say, those establishing such protests no longer need to seek the cheerleaders to rally the masses as they already exist through some of our elected officials.
For approximately twenty years, I have studied mass violence, rebellions, and insurgencies along with terrorism. History demonstrates that when a few nations erupt domestically, a domino effect results. Today’s timing in America could never be so ripe for such domestic atrocity. Hopefully, we as a nation can come together to prevent any forecasted American mayhem–but is it too late?
Kerry Patton is the Co-Founder of the National Security Leadership Foundation, a non-profit organization pending 501c (3) status. He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, focusing on intelligence and security interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban. He is the author of “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies” and the children’s book “American Patriotism.” You can follow him on Facebook