Political violence is the deliberate use of power and force to achieve political goals.

Political violence arises from struggles for power, social change, or resistance to oppression.

Perceived injustice, identity threats, and social marginalization are key factors to political violence.

Political violence is the deliberate use of power and force to achieve political goals[1], often outside the boundaries of legal and democratic processes. A Pew Research Center survey[2] of 3,445 U.S. adults conducted Sept. 22-28 finds that, 85% say politically motivated violence is increasing. Just over half of Americans see left-wing (53%) and right-wing (52%) extremism as major problems. Nearly as many (47%) say this about extremism from “people without clear political views.”

Political extremism led to assassinations of prominent political figures such as conservative activist Charlie Kirk in 2025 or the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in 2024; mass shootings such as those at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center in 2015; the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018; the El Paso Walmart in 2019; or other planned and coordinated terrorist attacks such as 9/11, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing[3]. The motivations behind political violence often stem from social, economic, or ideological conflicts, with individuals or groups seeking to influence, change, or challenge existing power structures. Frequently, political violence arises in contexts of perceived injustice, marginalization, or repression, where individuals or groups believe that traditional avenues for change are blocked or ineffective.

History of Political Violence

Political violence has been a persistent aspect of human history, often arising from struggles for power, social change, or resistance to oppression. Its forms range from assassinations and coups to widespread revolutions and civil wars. Throughout the centuries, events such as the French Revolution, the American Civil War, and various decolonization movements have been marked by significant political violence as groups sought to achieve or resist changes in governance and societal structures.

In the modern era, political violence continues to manifest through terrorism, state repression, and violent protests that escalate into riots, assassinations, coups, and even civil wars. While the motivations and methods have evolved, the impact remains profound, influencing political systems, societal stability, and the lives of individuals across the world.

Mechanisms of Political Violence

Political violence is a multifaceted phenomenon that psychology helps to illuminate by examining the underlying motivations, cognitive processes, and group dynamics that drive individuals and collectives toward aggression. Psychologists have identified factors such as perceived injustice, identity threats, and social marginalization as key contributors to political violence.

"Perceived injustice" refers to the belief or feeling that one has been treated unfairly or denied their rights, often leading to emotional responses such as anger or resentment. Identity threats occur when an individual’s sense of self or group belonging is challenged or undermined, which can result in stress or defensive behavior. Social marginalization describes the process by which certain groups or individuals are pushed to the edges of society, excluded from meaningful participation, and denied access to resources, opportunities, or recognition. These experiences can interact, reinforcing each other and contributing to feelings of alienation and social tension.

When individuals feel excluded or believe that their values are threatened, they may become more susceptible to radicalization and groupthink, which can escalate into violent actions. Additionally, psychological theories like deindividuation and obedience to authority offer insight into how ordinary people may participate in or support acts of violence under certain social pressures or charismatic leadership. Understanding these psychological mechanisms is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and mitigate political violence.

Often, political violence emerges in situations where people feel marginalized, threatened, or desperate for change. Leaders or movements may exploit these emotions, encouraging followers to take drastic action. In some cases, violence is seen as a last resort when peaceful methods fail, while in others, it is used strategically to intimidate opponents or gain attention. The consequences are severe, impacting not only the victims but also societies and political systems, often leading to instability and long-lasting trauma.

Understanding political violence requires examining the psychological, social, philosophical and structural factors that push individuals toward extreme actions. Albert Camus' philosophy on rebellion focuses on the subjective experience of the rebel. The rebel experiences a genuine moral dilemma created by the passionate desire to fight injustice and the feeling of universal solidarity that encompasses even those who the rebel believes it is necessary to kill. From this standpoint, any action the rebel takes is immoral but authentic. Authentic rebels continue to value solidarity, which creates a limit on how violence can be used in rebellion[4]. This alternative approach of political violence can support program of education, open dialogue, and efforts to address grievances peacefully. All of these are crucial in preventing such tragedies and promoting safer, more inclusive political environments.

World Health Organization (Who) World Report on Violence and Health. Geneva: 2002.

Copeland, J. & Kiley J. (2025) Americans say politically motivated violence is increasing, and they see many reasons why. Pew Research Center.

Nowrasteh, A. (2026) Politically Motivated Killers: 51 years of Terrorist Murders on US Soil, 1975-2025. Policy Analysis no. 1012, Cato Institute, Washington, DC.

Neiman, PG (2017) Camus on Authenticity in Political Violence. European Journal of Philosophy, 25 (4), 1569-1587.

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